A delegation from Aruba receives a tour of the primary sector in St. Eustatius and Saba.

The delegation consisted of the Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature, and Senior Affairs, Ursell Arends, the Director of Santa Rosa Aruba, Mrs. Nathalie Maduro, and the Head of the Fisheries Department at Santa Rosa, Mr. Byron Boekhoudt.

The Dutch Caribbean Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA) conference was held first in 2022 in Curacao, in 2023 in Aruba, and this year the government of St. Eustatius was the host. All six islands in the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed in 2023 an MoU to promote cooperation in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries fields, and to share knowledge, experiences, and successes in these sectors. DCALFA provides valuable opportunities to personally experience the initiatives in the primary sectors on the islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This time, St. Eustatius and Saba hosted this event.

The delegation from Aruba and other participants visited Saba, where they received a tour of various agricultural sites, including chicken and goat farms, a hydroponics facility, the Saba Reach Foundation, and a facility where the fishermen of Saba can store their materials. They also received a tour of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of St. Eustatius, accompanied by Mrs. Sharon Veira, responsible for the Agriculture and Veterinary Service Department. During the visit, the delegation observed the different agricultural activities, met local farmers, and explored reforestation projects on the island, including the coast of Zeelandia.

This experience marked the beginning of the DCALFA Conference 2024 and demonstrated the dedication of those responsible for the primary sector of the islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It underscored the importance of a solid and cooperative network between the islands to ensure a fruitful future for the sector.