TEATT hosts first ALF Expo to build homegrown food future

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), through its Department of Economic, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT), successfully hosted St. Maarten’s inaugural Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) Expo on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the University of St. Maarten. Held from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the event attracted a strong and diverse audience, from entrepreneurs and educators to seasoned farmers, investors and families, all eager to explore opportunities in this emerging sector.

The Expo marks a significant milestone in a journey that began with the approval of national ALF policy in 2022. What started as a policy framework has now evolved into a clear, organized movement that reflects the country’s readiness to pursue food security and economic diversification with intention and structure.

The evening’s program featured a series of presentations that outlined the current state and future potential of St. Maarten’s ALF sector. Acting Department Head Shervin Frederick provided an overview of the sector and an update on the status of ALF initiatives in 2025. Policy advisor Wendy Jack presented on the present and future of the fisheries sector in St. Maarten, while Nature Foundation representative Sabrina Brismeur highlighted the environmental and sustainability dimensions of fisheries management. Policy advisor Vanessa Mattew of ETT outlined the advancement of hydroponics programs in schools, complemented by a detailed update from Mr. Ajit Persaud, coordinator of the hydroponics program for Catholic schools. Senior policy advisor Rose Pooran Fleming discussed the development of a sustainable poultry industry for the island.

One of the key highlights of the Expo was the progress report on school-based hydroponics. Mr. Persaud and his colleagues explained how, through the Green Overseas Train the Trainer Program, hydroponics has been successfully integrated into several schools. They shared how the program has helped redirect troubled youth into positive activities, taught students entrepreneurial skills such as preparing produce for sale and calculating prices, and allowed children to benefit directly from what they grow. The initiative has also demonstrated how SKOS can serve as a model for effectively reintegrating agriculture into education.

Alongside the presentations, the Expo brought together a strong lineup of stakeholders and vendors that illustrated the growing momentum behind the ALF industry. Participants engaged with Qredits, represented by Mr. Oliver Williams, and the St. Maarten Development Corporation (SEDC), represented by Pearl Hendrickson and her team, who provided insight into financing and business support. Arrowroot Farms, represented by Mr. Josiah Halley, and Nutramix, represented by Mr. Desmond Brown, contributed expertise on production and feed solutions. Mr. Henk Lake, a supplier of chicks and feed, and hobbyist farmer Ms. Merlyn Harrigan added practical perspectives from the field. Together, their presence underscored the importance of having an ecosystem that includes funding, training, supplies, feed and community-based production.

In her remarks, the Minister of TEATT framed the Expo within the wider urgency of building St. Maarten’s resilience. “We import nearly everything we eat. When the world sneezes… St. Maarten catches the flu,” she said, drawing warm laughter from the audience while underscoring a serious point. “Developing our Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries sector is not just economic strategy, it is national security. It reduces dependency, keeps more money at home, and opens new opportunities for families. The energy in this room tonight proves that the people of St. Maarten are ready for these opportunities.”

The Minister also acknowledged the regional and international support that has helped advance the ALF agenda to date. She noted the upcoming DCALFA Annual Conference in 2026, which St. Maarten will host, as an important platform for further cooperation. In addition, she highlighted the Fish Aggregating Devices now on their way to the island, made possible with the assistance of Prime Minister Pisas of Curaçao, which will support the development of the fisheries sector.

Closing the evening, Acting Department Head Shervin Frederick reflected on the long road to this first Expo and the clear public interest it revealed. He noted that the strong turnout and active participation showed how many residents are ready to learn more and explore the possibilities the sector offers. Frederick emphasized that this Expo is only the beginning, and that the Department, the Ministry and their partners will continue working so that Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries become a real pillar of economic diversification for St. Maarten. He expressed gratitude to his team for their dedication in bringing the event to life and thanked the Minister for championing the vision, encouraging anyone seeking more information to contact the Department.

The success of the first ALF Expo signals that St. Maarten is not only talking about food security and diversification, but actively organizing the people, policies and partnerships needed to make it a reality.

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