Less talk, more work needed for CARICOM food goals

President Irfaan Ali (left) engaging with fellow CARICOM leaders at the exhibition which was part of the agricultural forum yesterday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. (Office of the President photo)

Less talk and more tangible work towards realistically achievable targets is what is needed if the region is to meet its ‘25 per cent by 2025’ food import reduction bill, President Irfaan Ali yesterday declared as he laid out plans this country has and recommendations for the region.

“We, leaders of CARICOM, though this agri-investment forum, must send a strong message. We must correct the imbalance. We are, and we must, be prepared to achieve the target of 25 by 2025.  We cannot lose this momentum. As a region, we cannot continue the importation of billions of dollars in products that we can produce right here locally. Reaching 2025 is looking at investment by all countries collectively,” Ali yesterday emphasised as he delivered the welcome address at the opening of the Agri Investment Forum and Expo.