I wish join colleagues in welcoming you here today. Looking at our food security landscape after the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and the soaring food prices, immediate action is needed. We gather not just in the face of adversity but as a united front determined to rebuild, restore, and revitalize our food landscape following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl. This natural disaster has left an indelible mark on our communities, crippling our agriculture sector and driving food prices to unprecedented heights.

However, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. With the launch of our National Food Security Drive, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no one goes hungry in our nation. Our focus will be on building resilience and self-sufficiency through innovative and sustainable practices that empower our communities.

First and foremost, we believe that it is vital to Plant Now, Eat Tomorrow. Through this initiative, we will prioritize the establishment of backyard gardens, school gardens, and community gardens. These efforts will not only provide immediate access to fresh produce but will also serve as educational platforms where we can nurture an understanding of sustainable farming practices.

Backyard Gardens: We will encourage families to utilize available land reduce discarded household items, be innovative and within their homes to grow fresh vegetables. To support this, we will provide seeds, tools, and resources, as well as training sessions led by local agricultural experts.

School Gardens: Our children are our future, and by incorporating gardening into our schools, we can teach young minds the importance of food security, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. We will work closely with schools to create vibrant gardens that inspire creativity, responsibility, healthy habits among students and also compliment their School Feeding Programmes

Community Gardens: Collaboration is key. We will go into our communities foster community spirit by establishing community gardens where neighbours can come together, share knowledge, resources, and cultivate food collectively. Not only will these gardens improve local food access, but they will also strengthen our social ties, promote teamwork, and enhance community resilience.

Furthermore, we acknowledge that our efforts must be holistic. Therefore, we will work in partnership with governments agencies, NGOs, and private sectors to create to support these gardening initiatives and address the supply chain disruptions caused by the hurricane and ensure food is available for all.

We are also aware that the effects of hurricanes extend beyond the immediate destruction. Restoring food security requires long-term commitment and sustainable practices. We will advocate for climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters and ensure that our local food systems are resilient and robust.

In conclusion, while we cannot undo the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl we can transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth and resilience. Together, let us cultivate change, foster independence, and ensure that every household has the means to grow their food.

Thank you for joining us on this pivotal journey toward national food security. Let us plant seeds today for a more sustainable and nourished tomorrow.