St Augustine. The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) officially launched its inaugural Agricultural Research and Innovation Symposium (ARIS) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, bringing together researchers, policymakers, farmers, development partners and private sector stakeholders from across the Caribbean to showcase science-driven solutions for building a more resilient and food-secure region.

Held under the theme "Advancing Agricultural Innovation for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems," the Symposium serves as a platform for sharing CARDI's latest research and strengthening collaboration among regional institutions committed to transforming Caribbean agriculture.

Opening the Symposium, Chairman of CARDI's Board of Governors, the Hon. Lennox Andrews, Minister of Agriculture in Grenada, said the Caribbean must continue investing in research and innovation to address increasingly complex agricultural challenges.

"Climate change, evolving pest and disease pressures, and global market disruptions demand that we embrace science, innovation and collaboration as essential tools for securing the future of Caribbean agriculture. The research being showcased here demonstrates CARDI's commitment to developing practical solutions that improve productivity, strengthen food systems and support the livelihoods of farmers across our region."  He further added “If we want CARDI to keep providing solutions … we must give them the financial tools to do the job.”

CARDI Executive Director Ansari Hosein described the symposium as a significant milestone for the organisation and an important opportunity to reconnect with stakeholders.

"This Symposium marks the beginning of a new tradition for CARDI. It brings together our scientists from across the region to share the results of research conducted over the last 2 years in our Member States and, more importantly, to engage directly with farmers, policymakers, development partners and the private sector. Our objective is to ensure that research moves beyond the laboratory and delivers tangible benefits for food and nutrition security, climate resilience and agricultural competitiveness throughout the Caribbean."

He noted that CARDI's research programme continues to focus on strengthening resilient, innovative and sustainable agri-food systems capable of supporting the Region's food security goals.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministerial Advisor Ravi Pooran Maharaj commended CARDI for creating a regional forum dedicated to scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange.

"The Caribbean's future food security depends upon our collective ability to transform research into action. This Symposium provides an important platform where researchers, policymakers, innovators, and practitioners can exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the adoption of technologies that will help transform agriculture across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean."

He further noted that innovation in agriculture is no longer optional but essential, highlighting the importance of climate-smart technologies, improved crop varieties, precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices in building resilient food systems.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Michelle Anne Thomas, welcomed the Symposium as an important mechanism for strengthening collaboration between research institutions and the public sector, noting that ”the challenges facing Caribbean agriculture require strong partnerships between researchers, policymakers and producers. By creating opportunities to share knowledge and practical solutions, initiatives such as this Symposium help ensure that scientific research informs policy, strengthens national agricultural programmes and delivers meaningful benefits for farmers and consumers across the Region."

The Symposium featured three technical sessions highlighting CARDI's research programmes across its 14 Member States and addressing some of the Region's most pressing agricultural priorities.

Researchers presented studies exploring the commercial production potential of white potatoes in Grenada and tropical wheat in Belize, alongside innovations in lettuce, corn, silage, dasheen, and black-eyed pea production aimed at reducing dependence on imported food and feed.

The symposium also highlighted CARDI's growing emphasis on digital agriculture and innovation. Presentations examined youth engagement in agriculture, digital platforms for livestock feed management, AI-supported crop diagnostic tools, and emerging technologies that can strengthen agricultural extension services and improve on-farm decision-making throughout the Caribbean.

Collectively, the presentations reflected CARDI's commitment to delivering practical, science-based solutions that support regional food and nutrition security, improve farmer livelihoods and enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean agriculture.

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire — Bonaire's only commercial aloe vera plantation could soon disappear after the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) moved to terminate the lease on agricultural land that has been home to the island's only commercial aloe operation for more than two decades, raising concerns about heritage preservation, agricultural policy, and the future of local production.

The plantation, operated by Onima Aloe N.V., has been cultivating aloe vera since 2002 and is home to approximately 15,000 aloe vera plants. The company says the OLB intends to reclaim the agricultural parcel despite the land itself being officially designated for agricultural use, with plans to allocate it to a non-agricultural function involving the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar).

Owner Jaap Ensing argues that the decision threatens not only his business but also an important part of Bonaire's cultural and economic heritage.

A Crop Rooted in Bonaire's History

Aloe cultivation has been part of Bonaire's identity since the 19th century, serving as an important contributor to the island's economy for generations. The traditional knowledge of harvesting aloe, extracting its gel, and producing aloe-based products remains a living craft, carried on today through Onima Aloe's operations.

The company produces its aloe products entirely on Bonaire, supplying local retailers, tourism businesses, wellness providers, small entrepreneurs, and long-time residents. According to Ensing, the complete production chain—from cultivation and harvesting to processing, manufacturing, and sales—takes place locally, creating jobs while supporting economic diversification and sustainable production.

Owner Rejects Claims of "Inactivity"

The dispute centers on the OLB's allegations that the agricultural parcel has been inactive.

Ensing strongly disputes that characterization, explaining that aloe vera is a drought-resistant, climate-adapted crop that naturally undergoes extended dormant periods during which little visible activity occurs.

He says the plants require minimal water and, once irrigated, quickly become ready for harvesting. Processing is then carried out at the company's laboratory located on Kaya Pos di Amor.

According to Ensing, what authorities describe as inactivity is simply a normal characteristic of aloe cultivation and should not be mistaken for neglect.

No Consultation, Says Entrepreneur

Ensing says he was caught completely off guard by the government's actions.

According to him, he received no prior warning, consultation, or opportunity to present his case before being served by a bailiff and finding the property closed off. He further claims there has been no discussion of alternative solutions or compensation for the investments made in the plantation, the anticipated production losses, or the costs of relocating the business.

Questions Over Government Policy

The proposed termination has prompted broader questions about the consistency of Bonaire's agricultural and sustainability policies.

Critics argue that replacing an active agricultural enterprise on land specifically designated for farming with a non-agricultural use appears to contradict government objectives promoting local food and product production, climate-resilient agriculture, economic self-sufficiency, and the preservation of Bonaire's cultural heritage.

Ensing has formally requested that the OLB reconsider its decision and conduct what he describes as a fair balancing of interests, taking into account not only the plantation's economic contribution but also its historical and cultural significance to Bonaire.

If the lease is ultimately terminated, the island risks losing its only commercial aloe plantation—ending a tradition woven into Bonaire's agricultural history for well over a century.

PHILIPSBURG;--- (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), COVID, would like to inform the general public that the clinic at the CPS Offices at the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg, is open for COVID vaccines by appointment only, and the next available date is Friday, July 17^th.

The CPS clinic is open for COVID vaccines for persons aged 12 and older on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Due to limited supply, CPS is requesting persons to call or email for an appointment by calling 914 (option 4) or 542-1570, or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The booster is entirely free of charge and voluntary.

Please bring your vaccination card and a form of Identification (ID) when you have an appointment.

The COVID-19 virus has not disappeared. While the peak of the pandemic is in the past, the virus remains an active presence.

Routine prevention remains essential for public safety.

~In its fourth edition, the initiative will award two $15,000 grants to support Caribbean women researchers in STEM fields~

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO:---  L’Oréal Caribe and the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean announce the opening of the 2026 call for applications for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program, an initiative that recognizes and supports outstanding women researchers from the region by awarding two $15,000 USD grants to advance the development of their scientific research.

The call for applications will be open from May 19 through August 14, 2026, and is intended for women scientists from the Caribbean who are pursuing doctoral studies, conducting postdoctoral research, or are in the early stages of a scientific research career within the program’s eligible STEM disciplines.

The program is part of the renowned global L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science movement, created to promote women’s participation in scientific research and help reduce the gender gaps that continue to persist in STEM fields. In the Caribbean, the initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Caribbean Academy of Sciences and the Caribbean Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

“At L’Oréal Caribe, we firmly believe that science needs the talent, creativity, and leadership of women to address the challenges of today and the future. Through For Women in Science, we seek to increase the visibility of and support women researchers who are generating knowledge and innovation with an impact on our region and the world,” said Liana Camacho, Market Vice President of L’Oréal Caribe.

Eligible candidates must conduct research in areas such as formal sciences, life and environmental sciences, materials science, engineering, and technological sciences. The awards seek to provide financial support and recognition to women who contribute to scientific advancement across different fields of knowledge and whose research helps drive solutions to some of the main challenges facing the region.

“UNESCO works to recognize and promote the talent of women in science, foster diverse perspectives, and break down the barriers that limit their professional development,” said Audrey Azoulay, General Director of UNESCO.

In its 2025 edition, the program recognized Jamaican scientists Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher and Dr. Arianne Brown Jordan for research addressing important health and environmental challenges. Dr. Fisher conducts research on genetic factors associated with liver diseases, while Dr. Brown Jordan studies the presence of bacterial diseases in water systems serving vulnerable communities. Their research highlights the impact of Caribbean women scientists in generating knowledge and solutions for the region.

Globally, women continue to face significant challenges in the scientific field. According to UNESCO data, women represent approximately one-third of researchers worldwide. Although Latin America and the Caribbean have a higher representation of women in science than the global average, significant challenges remain regarding access to funding, visibility, and leadership opportunities in scientific research.

Interested applicants can review the complete eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the For Women in Science application platform https://www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/167 . The deadline to apply is August 14, 2026.

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