Agricultural Ministry Ignites Culinary Passion Through Banana and Plantain Festival

Castries October 14, 2025 – The unmistakable aroma of freshly prepared dishes, the hum of local music, and the laughter of proud farmers filled the air as Saint Lucia came alive for the Banana and Plantain Festival, a radiant celebration hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development.

More than a festival, it was a vibrant tribute to Saint Lucian talent and resilience where farmers, chefs, and youth came together to turn two humble crops into a showcase of innovation and national pride. Aligned with World Food Day’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” the event highlighted the enduring power of local produce to nourish communities, strengthen food systems, and inspire a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Event Coordinator Philip Sydney highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food systems and national health priorities. “Each year, Saint Lucia commemorates World Food Day through a variety of impactful activities. These observances are closely aligned with our annual work programme, as one of our key focus areas highlighted by the Hon.  Minister is food and nutrition security. This remains a national priority. In support of this, we continue to promote our signature initiative, Eat Fresh, Saint Lucia’s Best, which encourages all Saint Lucians to consume more locally grown and produced foods,” noted Sydney.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Hon. Alfred Prospere, emphasized the government’s continuous investment in empowering farmers and building national resilience through agricultural innovation and market development. “We must ensure that we are food secure, and when we are food secure, we will be able to ensure that we have food available to all persons and at the same time food that is nutritious that contributes to the health of a country or a nation. I am happy that the ministry has been able to secure the funds, like previous years, to create an opportunity where people can come in and showcase their products and this year it is about plantain and bananas. It’s really a plantain and banana festival where persons can use those two crops to showcase possible products. I had the opportunity since I came in to sample a few, which I must say are very delicious, and I am hoping that participants can do the same,” explained Minister Prospere.

The festival served as a platform to encourage the consumption of locally produced foods while reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to improving food and nutrition security, strengthening livelihoods, and fostering a more resilient agricultural system.

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Contacts:

Zarik Felix, Information Assistant II, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development

T: (758) 468-4131 – Email: Zarik.Felix@govt.lc

Shervroy Marius, Information Officer I, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development

T: (758) 468- 4150 – Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lc

Bradley St. Ange(Mr.)
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)