Minister Connor proposes Breadfruit tree initiative to strengthen food security

GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Claret Connor, has announced that his Ministry is exploring an initiative to distribute breadfruit trees to households and communities across St. Maarten as part of efforts to encourage local food production, reduce dependence on imported food and strengthen long-term food security.

The proposal, which could eventually expand to include other fruit-bearing trees and plants, was outlined by the Minister in observance of World Food Day on October 16. The initiative is intended to encourage residents to grow more of the food they consume while making greater use of traditional Caribbean crops that can provide a continuing source of nutrition.

Under the proposed approach, breadfruit trees would be introduced and distributed throughout the community, allowing households to cultivate a food source capable of producing for many years. The Ministry believes that encouraging home cultivation could contribute to household resilience, community participation and greater self-reliance.

The initiative remains under consideration, and the Ministry has not yet announced a distribution schedule, the number of trees to be made available or the criteria for participation.

Minister Connor said food security must become a greater priority for St. Maarten, particularly when considering the affordability of nutritious food and the country's reliance on supplies from outside its borders.

“Food is a basic human necessity and an essential part of human dignity. As a community, we must continue to examine how we can make nutritious food more accessible and affordable, while also empowering our people to become more actively involved in producing the food they consume,” Connor stated.

The Minister's message forms part of St. Maarten's observance of World Food Day 2026, which is being marked under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”

The theme emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable food systems through innovation, cooperation and approaches that can provide sufficient, safe and nutritious food for present and future generations.

Connor explained that while immediate food assistance remains necessary for vulnerable households, St. Maarten must also consider longer-term solutions that help families become less dependent on external food supplies.

He pointed to the island's Caribbean agricultural traditions as an opportunity to encourage renewed interest in growing food at home and within communities.

“We have a rich Caribbean heritage of growing, sharing, and making use of what the land provides. We want to build on that knowledge and encourage a renewed culture of growing food at home, sharing resources, and supporting one another,” the Minister stated.

Breadfruit has historically been an important food source throughout the Caribbean and can be prepared in several ways, making it a potential addition to household food production.

The Ministry's proposed initiative seeks to combine this traditional knowledge with community-based cultivation, encouraging residents to view available land and suitable growing spaces as opportunities to produce food.

The longer-term objective is to help establish a culture in which households and communities play a more active role in supplementing their food supplies.

In his World Food Day message, Connor also acknowledged the work of organizations, foundations, businesses, community groups and individuals who continue to provide meals, groceries and other assistance to families experiencing financial difficulties.

He said these feeding and food distribution initiatives remain important because they provide immediate support to people who may otherwise struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs.

“We recognize and appreciate the dedication of everyone who takes the time and resources to prepare meals, distribute groceries, and support families in need. Your work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our people, and we encourage these acts of compassion and community solidarity to continue,” Connor stated.

The Minister emphasized that community feeding programs and longer-term food production initiatives should be viewed as complementary approaches rather than competing priorities.

While charitable food assistance helps address immediate hardship, initiatives that encourage local production can help households build greater resilience over time.

The Ministry's proposed breadfruit distribution initiative is therefore intended to contribute to a broader discussion about how St. Maarten can improve access to nutritious food while encouraging residents to participate in producing some of their own food.

Connor also called on residents, farmers, businesses and community organizations to recognize their respective roles in strengthening food security.

He encouraged households to consider growing fruits, vegetables and other food crops where possible, while supporting local farmers and producers.

Other practical measures highlighted by the Minister include reducing food waste, making healthier nutritional choices and sharing available resources within communities.

According to Connor, food security requires cooperation between government, the private sector, community organizations and individual households.

The Minister said World Food Day should serve as an opportunity to examine how St. Maarten can develop a more sustainable approach to food access and production.

He encouraged residents to consider at least one practical measure they can undertake to contribute to a healthier and more food-secure community.

As the Ministry continues examining the proposed breadfruit initiative, Connor maintained that building greater food self-reliance will require both institutional support and increased participation from residents.

The Minister concluded his World Food Day message by encouraging the community to embrace the 2026 theme as a call for practical action toward improving nutrition, supporting local food production and strengthening St. Maarten's long-term food security.

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