2018 has been such a challenging year, from the aftermath of hurricane Irma, to the oppression by our local government, one must sometime wonder how you actually survive in sunshine city.
Well, that comes with a lot of hope, faith, knowing, structure, focus, determination and will power. The power to want change is important, not only because we want it but because we truly need it.
Nothing good never really comes easy, and anything that comes easy is never really good. This was one of my greatest lessons for the year 2018. Despite the challenges, the mission and objective never changes, the focus for agriculture being a reality for St Maarten is still a top priority in my book.
The toughest part of my recovery was to deal with the politics while having to get back on my feet after loosing almost everything over the past 4 years in a matter of minutes. I had to learn to deal with the mental strain and physical challenges that came my way, not, at the time understanding why you have to go through so much struggle just to see a better tomorrow.
What I know is, in todays world most people rather see you fail then to succeed, especially if they are not part of your progress. Truly failure on your behalf is not up to them, but up to you ! Your vision and objectives must always remain clear despite what others may believe, most important is you must KNOW yourself and your intentions.
I’ve had many great experiences and opportunities over the last year and also had a chance to meet great people, some for the good and some, not for the bad, but rather I must say for the schooling. Looking at all classes I had the opportunity to engage in the lessons allowed me to acquire great experiences that will help me to take on the new year with good direction and positive energy ! This year, I will focus more on the mission, let no distractions lead me a stray, continue to fight and stand for what I KNOW not believe, obtain and share as much knowledge as I can while spreading vibes and energy!
My Challenges with government in 2018
The challenges with local government, mainly the ministry of VROMI over the structures that facilitate the St Maarten Agriculture Research and Development Center was giving a positive way forward on Nov 2, 2018 during a meeting between Prime Minister Leona Marlin Romeo, Minister VROMI Mr Giterson , Myself in witness of Mr Wilson and Ms Louis of SPEOG which concluded in the Prime Minister and Minster of VROMI accommodating a resolvable solution to allow the completion of the Restroom Area at he Center. I am still awaiting this in writing and also the finalization of the long lease which was also promised to be completed this year. I am aware that government has allot on it’s hands, especially the dump which should be a priority to get our country back on its feet, It’s time get things done.
In 2019, Government should focus on starting something and getting it done, working together with individuals or organization that may help to advise or work alongside them to help assist and ease the burden of the civil servant. Not everything has to be done by government. Government should take heed toward building resourceful public \ private partnerships and not just private partnership that have to much personal gain or interest, but more the greater impact it may leave on our communities and country in general.
The Skill Enhance Program by Spaceless Gardens in 2016 received great support and feed back from organization such as UNDP who also encouraged government to build positive public \ private partnership toward enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Poverty alleviation being one on the main goals!
There are many individuals that are willing to play their part in their community and there for should be granted the opportunity to do so with the positive support of government. The Emancipation Proclamation and Constitution give us that right to be granted that assiatance. I don’t believe, but know that this approach will trigger positive changes and allow the creative and contributive community member to finally be able to harvest the great benefits of district based opportunities.
Membership Program
In Nov 2018, A membership program was initiated in effort to raise funds to complete the restroom at the agricultural center. The program was a great success. The center gained 24 new members that contributed towards raising $2500 toward materials for the restroom.
As mention, allowing community members to play their role while being part of the greater cause deemed to yield great results especially for those that truly want to get involved and also take advantage of the opportunity to invest in a facility that will produce better quality food for their consumption. The benefits members receive range from free herbs and info on how to consume them for a healthy purpose, free healthy meals and discounts on organic produce. We are currently looking forward toward soon offering members additional discounts at department and electronic stores that network with Cultural Xpression for example. We hope to have a few stores on board soon and announce it officially to our members during a social activity day at the center when the restroom is completed. During this time members will also receive their official membership card. I want to thank all members for playing their part. I also want to let you know that I am Proud of each and everyone of you. Because of you, St Maarten Still has hope!
Proud Member of St Maarten Agricultural Center
Harvest 2018
Despite the ups and downs in 2018, and Irma damaging most of our large fruit trees our research on sustainable crops types continued to be successful with limited cultivation based on the facility not being in tact. We cultivated a variety of crop types such as corn, sorrel, season peppers, egg plant, cilantro, arugula, sweet pepper, string beans, oregano, thyme, chives, basil, lemon grass, okra, cherry tomatoes, soursop and many others which resulted in over an estimated 700+ Kilos of food harvested in 2018.
Youngest farmers at ECO SXM, Nahjah and Nessiah Wyatte
Encouraging individual change
The mission is always to encourage positive change one person at a time. This is one of the reason we decided to get ECO St Maarten Agricultural Research and Development foundation also off the ground. ECO Stands for Educating, Cultivating and Outreaching. If you look at each and everyone of us an atom that contributes towards creating the mass of this earth, we also will realize that the components of energy we share determine the outcome of our lively and sustainability. Climate change is on the rise for the worse and the only ones that can contribute toward reducing the rapid change is US. This has to be done by making rapid and drastic changes in they way we share our energy and treat ourself. Once we realize that the crisis of the mass we call the world is a result of the way we treat ourselves and the energy we share, only then can we start toward positive changes which in result will impact positive climate changes. So as we graduate the class of 2018 and get ready for life’s next lesson, The time to act is now.
”We must remember that no one is promised tomorrow. So once we’re in the right place, at the right time, to do the right thing, then it must mean that we are actually chosen to make a difference, Today. All the best for 2019” – Wyatte
This article was also published in Dec 2018’s Edition of Cultural Xpression. READ HERE
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