PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams has endorsed the plan Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor announced on World Food Day to distribute breadfruit trees across Sint Maarten.
"This is a practical, down-to-earth step toward food security, and it deserves our full support," said Wescot-Williams. "Breadfruit has fed our people for generations. We can build on that."
In a letter to the Minister, Wescot-Williams suggests expanding the initiative to other fruit trees that grow easily on Sint Maarten, such as bananas, coconut, avocado, mango and tamarind, as well as quick-harvest vegetables.
She also proposes short instructional videos on planting and caring for each tree, featuring local growers and shared through social media, schools, and community groups.
The President’s own backyard holds breadfruit, avocado, banana, coconut and mango trees, along with a small compost barrel for kitchen scraps.
"You don't need a farm. A yard, a little care and some patience will put fruit on your table."
"A tree handed out is a good start. A tree that bears fruit for twenty years is the goal," she added. "Simple guidance in our own voices will help make sure these trees thrive in our yards."
Wescot-Williams also announced that she will once again take up the problem of vervet monkeys destroying local crops. In 2021, Parliament passed her amendment to the 2021 budget setting aside NAf 100,000 for the Monkey Management Project of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten.
"Many residents have given up on planting because the monkeys get the harvest before they do," the MP concluded. "If we are serious about growing our own food, we must address this too."