 Hello and welcome to TV30, a production of the Government Information Service. I am Jordan Bissett-Josef. The Fossage Act Development Committee recently received grants from a consortium of donors, including GEF, SGP, UNDP and OECS, to establish the first agrotourism park protective landscape in St Lucia. The project will be launched on Thursday, the 27th of October 2022, and here to discuss the project of all that it encompasses are three members of the committee, in the guise of Chairperson, Miss Sandra Prosfer, Vice Chairperson, Lensia Mathire and the trustee, Mr Columbus Philippi. Thank you for joining us here today. Thank you for having us. Before we start actually talking about the park, which is what we really had to talk about, give me some details about the Fossage Act Development Committee. Give me a little bit of background information. When was it established and why was it established? The Fossage Act Development Committee came around in 1994 in trying to get things back after Hurricane Debbie. However, in 1995 it was reconstituted, aided by the development, the community development officer at that time, to form the Fossage Act Development Committee, a legal body. It was formed in order to help the community in its economical, social, cultural development. The community was a poverty-stricken committee, but still is sort of. The first thing that the Development Committee wanted to do was to establish a credit union there to help people to be able to access loans. Because of the financial deprivation of the community, there was trouble in accessing loans from the commercial banks. So the committee felt if we have our own development, our own credit union, then people will be able to access small loans there. Hence the Fossage Act Credit Union, which now holds two branches, one in Souffre and one in Fossage Act. And we have over $100 million. Over $20 million? Over $20 million and over 3,000 members. The committee is made up of persons from different sub-communities. In Fossage Act we have eight sub-communities and every sub-community is represented by two persons on the committee. Groups in Fossage Act are also represented on the community. Right now the committee is made up of 29 members and it also has an executive. Now you mentioned the credit union there, but there's other things that I believe that the committee has actually put together. Give us a rundown on some of the other projects you've been involved in. Many other projects, for example, the establishment of the Decay Centre in Fossage Act. We did that in collaboration with the Catholic Church and the Government of Cymru, where we asked the Government of Cymru to pay our staff and they gladly did and they have been paying the staff since the inception of the Decay Centre. We've had the Resource Centre and we did that in collaboration with the Government of St Lucia, Pinnacle Trust, and that came after her with Thomas. The Agri-Processing Centre also in collaboration with the Catholic Church, who leased the building to us. We have carried it up on during the renovation along with GIZ, the German group. We've built foundations for houses for community persons and the houses were built by the group news people. We've gone to schools to help with tablets for the students when COVID came around. We've been able to give care bundles to every household in Fossage Act that was in 2020. It encompasses food and hygiene packs. Every year we've been having a summer come for our youth. So every year we do that except for last year. What else have we done? We've done pageant drinks for St Lucia every year. We have our queen show, which most people have said can be held as high as that of the national queen show. We just had it last year too. Our last one was in 2019 because of COVID. We've been able to give some of our top students in Fossage Act and the list goes on. That's a lot of work. That's a lot of work and a lot of successful projects. Fantastic. And now, straight from there, we're moving on to the agrotourism part. That's the biggest one so far. So now tell me what was the concept behind this. How did this come to mind? Where did this idea come from? Okay, so as Mrs Prosve mentioned earlier on, following Tropical Storm Debbie, we find that a lot of persons were migrating from the community because of lots of jobs, lots of livelihoods. And we wanted to find a way to have the persons in the community employed. We wanted to create livelihoods for those persons. So we had several consultations with persons in the community as to what we can do to assist them. And one of these consultations we had with the farmers where the idea come along, why not have an agrotourism park because this is what we're known for, our farmers and tourism. So we have decided to marry the two together and to create an agrotourism park. This park will incorporate the whole community of Hosejak. So it will start from the bottom, which is Ravencly. It will go all up to Bwaden and the Rainforest Park. So this is where our idea came from basically. So we're still at the planning stages. We have come a long way and we're actually going to launch this project this coming Thursday. Now the project will affect the community on so many levels. Take us through how you hope, what you think the benefits will be to the community and what you hope to see come from the project. This project is geared and tailored to really provide livelihoods in a sustainable way to residents. And even persons from the outside because it's not exclusive to Hosejak persons. But what we envision is that majority of the participants and the beneficiaries will be persons from the community. Straight from the bat, after that project has been launched and is implemented, we are looking forward that persons use the opportunity to create meaningful and sustainable livelihoods from these activities. Because we will be positioning ourselves to invite visitors, both local and foreigners, to come into Hosejak and immerse yourself into what's happening in the community. Take part in whatever activities in the community and it will be very heartening if persons from the community themselves cannot be a beneficiary, direct beneficiary for me. We are tag-tailoring this in a way that impact will be local into the community. One of the pieces of literature that I was sent in regards to us during the interview here today is that it's hoped that the park would be an integrated management area which brings together the aesthetic value of the area with the natural, cultural and social assets to establish sustainable economic activities which can include campaign, hiking and sustainable agriculture and agro-processing combined with culinary and gastronomic experiences. So what are the different kinds of businesses are you hoping to achieve or really see pop up from within this park? What kind of businesses? Hosejak is known for its rich lands so we have a lot of farmers in this community. So we have been pleading with the farmers. We have been trying to educate them in farming practices that is going to help our soil because a lot of them realize that they do their farming on slopes. So we have been finding ways and means to assist them in using less chemicals in their farming. We are trying to help them do more organic farming and we are also trying to assist them in adding value to their products. So the dashing, we are trying to find ways to add value to the dashing, be it dashing flour, dashing chips and we also have our agro-processers who will assist in that process. So when they go to the market and they have some leftover products, we are asking them to bring those products to our agro-processers who are now going to use these products to create other products. We also have the watershed. Hosejak is at the top of the watershed and we realize that when they use the chemicals, some of these chemicals sit down into the water below. So this has caused a problem for us. So through our community consultations, we are trying to educate them into growing, into going into organic farming. So then we will see an improvement in our water quality. Okay, all right, no problem. That sounds very good, that sounds very good. Now in saying that, have you actually brought that idea out to the community and talked to, I know you said you talked to farmers, but other people besides them, what has the feedback been through members of the community in regards to the launch of the farm? We have been preceding the launching. We have been going into the various sub-communities and having community meetings. So to sensitize the locals and the community on what's happening. We find it's imperative that the ordinary persons should know about what's happening in the community instead of being a bystander outside watching in. So we are sensitizing them, we are educating them on what's happening so that they will be informed. Because this project, as I said before, will be inviting persons into Fonsa Shack. And what's the best way to invite by letting ordinary persons be the invited, actually inviting the persons instead of, we will just be the one hosting and creating the ambience, creating the activities, but it will be those persons on the ground, the ordinary persons that will be interacting with the persons that we invite to take part in whatever activities we have. So it is a very important mission. Everybody will jump in at the same time, because they are the lagers, they are those who believe, they will have to wait and see. So we understood that and then we are creating that kind of vibe, that kind of hype within the community that hey, something good is coming and we want you to be on board, open your eyes, see what opportunities that might pop up so that you can take advantage of it, this kind of information that we've seen out there. So the reception is good, although we would like to see more, when we call those meetings, we'd like to see more persons coming in, but we know things sometimes take a little time for it to roll out. But we are confident that, because we have done this before, so we are confident that it will work. Okay, all right, brilliant. And the thing is that, you know, people also like to see tangible things. Yes, yes. Now we've been having meetings upon meetings from 2018. That's how I was going to ask, okay. From 2018 we were having meetings upon meetings upon meetings. And at one time I can remember in 2020 it was, and somebody said, Depejuus has not got a meeting, that's a phoenix in meetings. Kiss has not got by me. But they want to see, especially the farmers. Farmers would not want to leave the garden behind and come to meetings all the time. They don't see what it is for them and what they can get from it. And so they're asking for what are the inputs. You can ask one thing the farmers are asking for, what are the inputs. If I go organic, can you make sure that I get a market? And that's the other thing that they are afraid of. Because some farmers are saying, we're planting organic, which takes a longer time and much more care and energy. And the other farmers are planting the same thing in the traditional way. Yet still when we go by the market, we have to sell our goods at the same price with them. So how can you assure us of a market for our goods when we go organic? So these are all the things that we have to try to put in place for them. But they are getting there and they are opening up to the organic farming because we are telling them about the water quality in the lower watershed that is affecting people. And that's one of the main reasons too for the agrotourism pack. OK, all right, sounds good. But anyway, we just have to take a very short break and we'll be back. Stay with us, we'll be back in a moment. The Department of Finance has introduced the electronic government procurement system, EGP. The EGP system has many benefits for stakeholders involved in government procurement. Government seeks to adopt a strategic approach to its purchasing process. Electronic government procurement improves efficiency of procurement and enhances data capture. The EGP is innovative and will automate the sequence from notification, receiving and evaluation of submissions to final contract award. It improves communication between vendors and government agencies, provides greater transparency and builds confidence in the vendor community through increased access to information. To participate, vendors, suppliers and contractors must register on the electronic government procurement platform. EGP, improving efficiency and transparency in the acquisition of goods, works and services. Welcome back, I am here today with the 4th Asia Development Committee, three members of the committee, and we are discussing the agrotourism pack, the project and landscape that's supposed to be open very soon in 4th Asia. So let's carry on by discussing the people that are actually supported. First of all, was it hard to get other agencies involved when this idea came to you all? How easy was it to get other people to come on board and see the benefits of the project? Okay, I guess you're speaking about grand funders. We had a workshop in, I think it was 2016 or so, can't remember exactly the date, with IWE Co where we had farmers and all the stakeholders in there. And one of the things we were looking at is how can we develop forces here? Okay. With every stakeholder. And then the idea of an agrotourism pack came around. In that workshop we had Mr Giles Romulus, the coordinator of Jeff. And he gave us a challenge. He told us, if we can put a plan together, he's willing to give us a planning grant to get that going. And we took the challenge and we were able to get the planning grant from Jeff. And so we had a land use marking and to find out whether the area would have been able to have an agrotourism pack. So we had a consultant Elizabeth Sumer who did that report for us. So it started with Jeff. And it is continuing with Jeff also because after that we got a grant from them, a full grant. And now we have a strategic grant with them. We also have the OECS. There was a call for a proposal for community tourism development by the OECS and the right company organization. And we applied. They were given four of these grants to four countries in the OECS. And we were one of those. We got it for Cedric Wishaw. So we have been funded by the OECS also. We had GIZ. It's a German company up at the moon. They came on board. They worked with us and they worked with some farmers with organic farmers. They came on board with us. They gave us capacity building. Through them we were able to start a agro processor called Jaco Valley products. And we also have Canary. Though their funding is small it is still very good and we are able to get something from it. We have Canary coming on board. We are now discussing with IEF, the Inter-American Foundation. We started with them from last year in discussions and going back and forth. I think we have reached a point where we can breathe and see we can get it back. We have Sufre Foundation that has come on board too. And they are really very supportive. There are quite a few others too. Individuals also. Individuals also. Individuals also. And though you may want to say you need the support, you need the help, you need the assistance and the money, but then sometimes you cannot take all these things on at one time. I understand. Because of the level of work each person and each organisation wants to have the objectives and the aims pushed forward. Also very important to discuss is the contribution of Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Department, which is very integral in our organisation and providing the space for us to operate within. And also providing very useful manpower in what we intend to do. Coddw sydd gennym. One of the things too, something that a very big thing and we find it is very good and we are looking forward, we are going to have memorandum of understanding of the Government of Sennwsia in order to have co-management of the area that we are going to use for camping sites and ecologies and trails and so on. So we are working tightly with the Forestry Department and Government of Sennwsia. So it's not a ffonsegiac thing as such, but it's a Sennwsia fe, something national and we are hoping that it will be international. Okay. Now as we were saying, the launch is actually going to be in a few days time and such like. What is actually supposed to be taking place at the launch and what exactly is going to happen after the launch? What is the way forward when you hit the ground running so to speak? Okay. At the launch, we are hoping that according to our programme, we will be having remarks by different Government officials and different organisations, all those that are involved in the agraterism pack and those persons whose ministries are going to impact greatly on the agraterism pack. So for example, sustainable development, agriculture, physical development, tourism, commerce and all that because all these ministries will be working together with us. So there, the ministers or the reps will be there. The highlights of that launching will be the signing of the MOU with Government. We also have our funders there so Jeff will be having its resident rep there and they'll also be having the UN. So representatives from the UN will also be there in person and also virtually will be having OECS represented there too. So it's all and our Deputy Prime Minister will be taking the stage. Brilliant. Very good, very good. Okay, and then as I was saying, straight after, what will be the first thing, I mean I know things are happening all the time, but what do you want to see happen initially straight after that launch? Straight after that launch, we're starting with training. Brilliant, that sounds fantastic. We'll be training our tour guides, our security guides, the SUS and so on. So the training will be starting and while the training is going on, we'll also be doing some infrastructure. For example, upgrading the trails, putting railings, setting up the camping sites and these things. So there are things that will turn them down. We'll also be looking at our farmers, having farmers meeting, getting them come on board, getting people to register. A big thing there will be the gastronomic aspect of it. So we'll be working along with these people too and trying to get them on board and training also. One of the biggest things there will be trading. We want to have an algorithm pack that is of international level. We want no mediocre criteria there. So therefore there will be lots of training in order to get people to the level that we want them to so that the standards could be upheld. Brilliant, that sounds fantastic. Just to add to what Mrs Prosbyth said, a call has been sent out for people who are interested in becoming talk guides, security and nurses to come and apply with us to receive that training. So I would like to appeal to the young persons who are listening. Please take this opportunity and get on board with us. That was the next thing I was going to ask. I was going to say that it sounds really good. It sounds like there will be positions that need to be filled. So where can people get in touch? How can people get in touch with the committee and get on board if they want to find out? So we have the Forsage Act Resource Centre where our secretary, Ms Cadet, is registered. So persons who are desirous of being part of this great project, they can come down to the Forsage Act Resource Centre and they can give their names and contact information of filling the application form or you can visit any one of the members of the committee. Okay, brilliant. Well, as I said, time is running out, so I need to say. However, if there's anything you would like to add at all, because I'm very much looking forward to this launch, but is there anything else you would like to add just as well even? I would like to call upon the community that this is something big coming into your doorstep. Prepare yourself, be in a position to take advantage of it. It's for the good of the community and the island in general. It's an opportunity to create and sustain livelihoods. That's the aim. So it's something good, be part of it, and then it will be all well in the morning. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for joining me today and all the best with the project. I would like to actually go along and think as well and have you back just to find out how things are going because I think this is a fantastic project. We look forward to seeing you there. Brilliant. Thank you for joining us. Thank you for joining us as well here at TV30. However, for now, it's time to say goodbye. Bye bye.