About 120 visitors to the U. S. Virgin Islands territory attended a Government House reception on Monday, April 25, 2016, as the first official meet and greet for the Annual Extension Directors Conference being held at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel until Thursday, April 28, 2016. Hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service (UVICES) and Agricultural Extension Service (UVIAES), the joint meeting includes members of the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (SAAESD), Association of Southern Region Extension Directors (ASRED), Southern Council for Agriculture Research Extension and Teaching (S-CARET) and the Southern Administrative Heads Section (S-AHS) as well as the V.I. Department of Agriculture.
Following welcoming comments from Dr. Robert Godfrey (UVIAES) and UVICES State Director Kwame Garcia, V.I. Agriculture Commissioner Carlos Robles shared opening remarks, reminding that he comes from decades of experience as Extension Service staff.
“I just want to thank all of you for choosing the Virgin Islands to have your conference this year. As Mr. Garcia said, you have a friend in me because we’ve worked together for a number of years.” said Commissioner Robles.
When asked about the purpose of the meeting, Dr. Godfrey shared about the various directors that their role is critical to the continuing existence and evolution of agriculture.
“The Annual Extension and Experiment Station Directors Meeting provides an opportunity for updates and planning with activities related to land grant Universities in the southern region.”
Director of UVI AES, Robert W. Godfrey
Locally the UVIAES and UVICES offices serve as the middle connections that receive and disseminate to the agricultural community, the transfer of updated information and new technology. AES conducts research and experiments which are used by CES for community education and outreach, thus directly impacting the food producers, specifically, and the agricultural community in general around the country. For those not already doing so, the intention is to highlight the need to prepare collaboratively so the industry will have the ability to be sustained into the future.
In addition to the hosts, other members of the University made the time to attend the conference including Dr. Frank Mills, Director of the Eastern Caribbean Center, who currently also serves as the supervisor over the AES and CES components.
Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina of the UVI Virgin Islands Caribbean Cultural Center (VICCC), nestled within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences also joined the meeting for a brief time.
“Respecting the synthesis and alliances among agriculture, research, education, publishing, and tourism, including carnival fetes and more, is part of the work being passionately engaged in by the UVI-VICCC. As the director of UVI-VICCC, my engagement with the Directors provided insight on the importance and urgency of integrating academics within cooperative extension services’ programs across US universities and colleges. Informative, interactive and cutting edge resources have been shared at this conference that complement the role of culture in agriculture at the only HBCU and Land Grant Institution in the Caribbean!”
Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, UVI VICCC Director
“In looking towards the future, the directors are charged with the vital responsibilities of creating best practices related to planning, forecasting and developing the appropriate technology, as well as the diversification of commodities, food, fiber, and production systems. Their decisions and actions will prepare us for the present and future issues to include climate change and food security.”
Carlos Robles, Commissioner, USVI Dept. of Agriculture
According to Alabama A&M & Auburn University Extension Director Gary D. Lemme, the joint program sessions provided timely reports of great interest to participants and a wonderful environment for professional exchange, strengthening partnerships, promoting communication and teamwork. The ASRED program included informative reports of great interest to all attendees.
“UVICES and AES provided the opportunity for the association’s members and their guests to enjoy and learn about the history and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Charlotte Amalie area through educational tours and visits to historical sites along with the University campus,” said Director Lemme.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2016, in addition to the various meetings and breakout sessions, conference attendees and their spouses enjoyed land and water tours as well as UVI campus tours including a stop at the Marine Science Center and CES Demonstration Garden. After a scenic drive through the hills above Charlotte Amalie, there was dinner at the Coral World Ocean Park where visitors had access to the park and exhibits including the shark feeding demonstration. On Wednesday, the spouses tour travelled downtown Charlotte Amalie on water taxi where they visited the V. I. Carnival Culture and Food Fair as well as shopped and had lunch.
“The meeting was hosted with efficiency and generous hospitality, and outstanding accommodations. UVICES and AES provided a unique environment for professional exchange, programming dialogue and socialization.” Mr. Ed Jones, Chair ASRED
Visit ces.uvi.edu for the full conference details and follow the online posts and pictures using the hashtag #SAAESD2016 on Facebook and twitter. The conference is sponsored by the University of the Virgin Islands, V. I. Department of Agriculture and the V. I. Department of Tourism.
