‎Minister for Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries, Co-operatives and Rural Development, Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, presented for the first time, in Saint Lucia's House of Assembly, the Agriculture & Fisheries Incentives Bill. The purpose of the Bill is to provide incentives to persons within the agricultural and fisheries sectors and related areas.  

One of the provisions generating animated discussion at Tuesday's house sitting, states, there should be no cultivation of bananas, vegetables, food and root crops within 25 metres of waterways in order to qualify for incentives.

The Agriculture Minister said it is important to educate farmers on best practices.

"We must be bold and honest with our farmers. We must gather  the courage because our future depends on it. There are some who can afford to go overseas for cancer treatment but many can't. We must protect our people. The use of chemicals near our waterways is dangerous and we must correct that. We must stop playing with the future of our country," said a passionate Minister for Agriculture.  

Minister Jn. Baptiste stressed that while there are many farms located on riverbanks the majority of the island's farmlands are located inland. Where farmers are located near waterways, the Ministry will assist them in understanding the implications of poisoning rivers and other water sources through the use of chemicals. 

In his presentation, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony stressed that serious consideration must be given to the cost of development. According to the Prime Minister, no government or group should be blamed for the mistakes of the past, but it should be acknowledged that farming practices that are insensitive to the environment have been costly. He called for a joint approach with a view to preserving the environment. 

"Let us join hands to protect the integrity of our waterways, without necessarily compromising the livelihoods of our farmers," concluded the Prime Minister in his presentation.

While the Bill speaks to existing farms, it will serve as a guide to the requirements for new investment in the agricultural sector. 

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