PHILIPSBURG:--- VSA Minister Claret Connor says concerns about monkeys, iguanas and other pests must be addressed as government explores a breadfruit-tree initiative intended to support food security and greater household self-sufficiency.
At Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, Connor said the project remains in early planning stages.
The initiative has drawn public attention, including questions about whether young trees would survive animal damage already affecting gardens and cultivation.
“These are valid concerns and challenges that must be considered as we explore how best to move forward with these conversations,” Connor said.
He described the project as part of a broader effort to encourage residents to grow their own food.
However, he acknowledged that promoting cultivation also requires attention to the practical obstacles residents face.
Connor said he has begun discussions with other ministries, including a department within TEATT, and intends to continue talks with VROMI and Justice.
Addressing the monkey problem, he said, will require cross-ministry cooperation.
The briefing did not include a distribution date, budget, number of trees, or eligibility requirements for interested residents.
Connor also did not announce an agreed pest-management approach to accompany the initiative.
The proposal therefore remains under development, with government still determining how to turn the food-security objective into a workable programme.
Its success will depend partly on whether residents receive the support needed to establish and protect the trees, alongside any eventual distribution.