Category Archives: Agriculture

UN: International Women’s Day 2022

We would like to acknowledge some of the hard-working women who have contributed significantly to the development of the GARD Center over the past years and currently using a poem.

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,   
The stride of my step,   
The curl of my lips.   
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,   
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,   
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.   
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.   
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,   
And the flash of my teeth,   
The swing in my waist,   
And the joy in my feet.   
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

IICA-CBF EbA Project Newsletter 4

Source of Newsletter & collaborates with the GARD Center

Link to the Newsletter: IICA CBF EbA Newsletter Issue #4 -Feb 2022

This issue features some of the women involved in IICA-CBF EbA project (N.B. from Antigua: Agriculture Science Teacher & Foreman in EbA project, Karen James and GARD Center’s Executive Director, June Jackson). We hope it provides food for thought to enhance, empower, enable and inspire more and better participation of women in actions for climate adaptation.

The IICA-CBF Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project seeks to assist beneficiary Caribbean countries in their efforts to maintain and increase resilience and reduce the vulnerability of ecosystems and people in the face of the adverse effects of climate change.


Creating Conductive Environment for Development of Small Farmers in the Caribbean

Ms. Anika Aska represented GARD Center as a Panelist on United Nations Joint Programme Building Effective Resilience for Human Security in Caribbean Countries: The Imperative of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in a Strengthened Agriculture Sector, is presently being implemented in the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. This programme is being implemented by UN Women, UNDP, ILO, and FAO with funding from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS); very interactive and informative discussion which among regional representatives and specialists. (See the video below.)

UNDP Sponsors Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Course for Youth

“Climate Smart Agriculture for Youth – Hydroponics:  The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) has been awarded the above-mentioned project, and the contract was signed on 3 December 2021, in the amount of US$15,000.00.   The Center is truly grateful for this timely donation and the opportunity to partner with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).   

The major aim of this project is to ensure the integration of sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change.   This Course is geared to train 10 persons between the ages of 17 – 35 years with CSA techniques in mulching; composting; no-dig beds, etc.  In addition these participants will have the opportunity to go on Field visits to see how established gardeners operate.  The participants will also get to construct mini-hydroponic units which can be used as either a Deep Water Culture (DWC) or Kratky unit.  A Business component will also be taught, with the anticipation that the soon-to-be Backyard Farmers would be in a position to provide quality food for not only their families but also to the community.

Once again, the GARD Center would like to thank the UNDP for investing in the improvement of Livelihoods of the Vulnerable Youth in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) – GARD Center Climate Smart Agricultural Training

Supported by

The GARD Center continues to thank the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for its support in the training of Women in Climate Smart Agricultural technologies with a focus on hydroponics and the blanching and freezing of vegetables in preparation for the dry season and the shortage of food.

This project has become increasingly more vital and timely as the year 2021 continued to unfold, with the delay in the supply chain universally.  Things worsened for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the turn of the year 2022 with the rumours of war, between Russia and Ukraine.  It seemed as though the world’s focus almost forgot about the COVID-19 pandemic which had thrown most of the world in a tailspin from early 2020, (and continues) with lockdowns and supply interruptions.

Although by the first quarter of 2022, government restrictions have slowly been lifted in Antigua and Barbuda, with the business sector starting to re-open, some women have still not been able to return to full time employment in the service industry due to the reduction of occupancy in many hotels and the cruise ship sector mainly operating at 50%.  The CFLI has been instrumental as the backbone of developing backyard garden plots and a demonstration hydroponic unit for trainees to get hands-on practice during this aspect of the training.  A few crops have been pre-planted for the Blanching and Freezing component of the course, etc.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues with various strains circulating; and health protocols put in place continue to change constantly, the actual start of the training component had to be deferred on several occasions.  The training course has started. Over the 25 women who showed interest in training in 2021, when the protocols ‘settled’ and training was ready to begin in January 2022, the Center had to delay the start date due to some women having restarted work during the day and would then have prefered evening sessions.  The recruitment drive continued.

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021

GEW Antigua and Barbuda 2021 (8th – 14th Nov, 2021)

Lead up to Entrepreneurship Week Antigua and Barbuda

Leading up to the entrepreneurship week the GARD Center took time to recognize the accomplishments of four entrepreneurs operating right here in Antigua and Barbuda. These four individuals have already using their skills and ideas to make a variety of products from interior decorations to delicious smoothies.

Image showing flyer recognizing the four young local entrepreneurs.

The Global entrepreneurship week started on Monday November 8th and went to the November 14th.

Day 1 Promotions

Promotion launch for the events were ongoing to make entrepreneurs aware of the weeks activities.

Day 2 Startup Huddle

This was organized by Elijah James who along with guest host Ashante Lindsay owner of Guilty Consumptions discussed some of the opportunities available to persons looking to start a business. Opportunities explored in the discussion included networking, business support organizations, accelerators and having mentors. A very informative session that wet the appetite for the rest of the week.

Visit www.startuphuddle.app

Day 3 Let’s Talk Business Event – Clare Hall Secondary School

Mrs. Brazier talking with P.O.B. fifth form students of the Clare Hall Sec School

Entrepreneur of Mrs. Brazier co-owner of Shaade Hydroponics had a talk with the Principle of Business students from the Clare Hall Secondary School. The students got an insight into what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Mrs. Brazier let the students know that being an entrepreneur means having to make some sacrifices but the experience can be very rewarding in the long run.

Day 4 Let’s Talk Business Event- The GARD Center

Ms. Sasha Jarvis a representative from the ACB Caribbean(Antigua Commercial Bank Ltd.) spoke to the GARD Center students of the “Remarkable Hospitality Course”. This educational session covered the topics of budgeting, investing, credit management and other useful related topics. The students were appreciative of the session and look forward to using the knowledge they would have gained from the session.

Day 5 Fun Walk

The GARD Center organization celebrated 32 Years and celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021 (Antigua & Barbuda) with a Fun Walk. An early energetic morning walk in celebration.



Day 6 Entrepreneur Breakfast and Exhibition


On the Saturday some of the local entrepreneurs were invited to an breakfast webinar that took place at the GARD Center. The entrepreneurs listened and interacted via Zoom to tips and information from entrepreneurial experts Dr. Marcia Brandon of COESL in Barbados and Pastor Victoria Burse of ARC International Atlanta.

Students of GARD Center’s Hospitality course served the entrepreneurs utilizing training from the program.

During the breakfast the entrepreneurs were awarded certificates for their achievements. The four young entrepreneurs which were during the week leading up to the event were given gifts along with their certificates.

After the breakfast the entrepreneurs were able to showcase their various products and services in the exhibition part of the event.

Day 7 Church Service – Ebenezer Methodist Church

A closing of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 8th-14th November 2021 was held at the Ebenezer Methodist Church, St. Marys’ Street. Executive Director Mrs. June Jackson spoke during the service.

Executive Director Mrs. June Jackson speaking to congregation

Backyard Gardening – Hydroponics, Testimonial, One Year Later, Sept 2021

a supporter of this project

Adrian Bowen

My name is Adrian Bowen, a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a BSc. in Agriculture. In July 2020, I attended GARD Centers training course in Backyard Gardening with Hydroponics that was funded by the Mill Reef Fund and held at the Extension Division, Ministry of Agriculture. During the 12 weeks, I learnt various things such as Cost Consciousness, Pest Management, Packaging and labeling and everything pertaining to hydroponics. Specifically, Cost Consciousness and hydroponics stood out mostly because Cost Consciousness provided a broader perspective when it came to purchasing as well as thoroughly assessing expenses when pricing your goods or services.

The hydroponics aspect of the course provided a lot of details and food for thought as it was something I was considering doing at the time. The system that we were able to build and take home has provided an excellent means for me to practice and experiment with what I would have learnt. This aided in me building a slightly bigger system and now I’m considering an even bigger build. It was definitely a course that I’m grateful I participated in. I’m appreciative for all the knowledge the presenters who were able to pass on to us and the collaboration that went on between the Extension Division and GARD Center. Special thanks to the Mill Reef Fund for sponsoring the training.

Andre Franklin

I, Andre Franklin was lucky to receive the opportunity to be a part of the Backyard Gardening & Hydroponics course hosted by the GARD Center. The course was a condensed 12-week program with a variety of topics covered and many different lecturers for each topic.

During the 12 weeks, I had the benefit of building rapport with the different lecturers who helped me further my understanding of how to successfully grow many different florae. One of the many benefits of being a part of the course was, to be equipped with the help from the various lecturers. They would help us identify problems that we had, and help prevent us from running into others by pointing out what is that we were doing wrong and guiding us so we would not run into similar issues in the future. We were also taught many eco friendly (non-chemical) ways of dealing with pest and diseases that many of us suffer from in Antigua and Barbuda.

At the end of the Backyard Gardening & Hydroponics course, we were given our own fully functioning Hydroponic Unit (Deep Water Culture) as well as all the necessary components to keep it running for several harvest (of lettuce).

I highly recommend everyone (even if you have no interest in gardening) to sign up for the Backyard Gardening & Hydroponic course as a way to make us, the people of Antigua and Barbuda better equipped in being more independent by providing more for ourselves, friends and family and less reliant on bought produce.

A very special thank you is in order to the Mill Reef Fund as they funded and made this course possible. Thank you for giving me the opportunity for being a part of this program, it was very enlightening.

Soria Holder

In 2020 I attended the GARD Center’s Backyard Garden training course. I can say I am extremely thankful for the opportunity. This course let me know the importance of farming and how to budget and manage the garden better. So far, I have planted, lettuce, cabbage, carrot, beet, thyme, Chinese cabbage, spinach, parsley. I share my harvest by giving them to my Neighbors. During this course I also learnt the importance of food and food safety. My sincere thanks to Mill Reef Fund for sponsoring the training.

Tiffany Pryce


My name is Tiffany Pryce, a graduate of the Ottos Comprehensive Secondary School. I have a passion for Cooking and Agriculture. Lately, I find myself focusing on my catering business and working full time while being a single mother. However, after COVID hit I was laid off and was just home at that time. I decided to further educate myself and quickly realized that food security and providing for my family’s needs should be at the top of the list. It was then I decided to enroll in the GARD Center Backyard Gardening and Hydroponics course that was Funded by Mill Reef Fund and that became the game changer I needed.

Determined to succeed, armed with the vast amount of knowledge that was acquired from the course I was able to start my backyard gardening. Also, I received guidance and mentoring from course instructors and assistance from my brother and other influential persons I met during the course which helped to make the journey a success. Today, I am now growing at least 50% of my produce used on a daily basis and I hope to expand after the summer. In addition to growing local herbs from my garden I harvest my crops and produce my own brand of tea blends, “Tiffany’s Creations”. I have come to realize that Agriculture is a science, it has its good days and bad days but with practice makes perfect. I believe that Food Security should be one of our major priorities as a nation, paying close attention to the narrative “your health is your wealth.” I would like to say a special thanks to GARD Center and Mill Reef Fund for this opportunity.

Tiffany remains steadfast and wishes to encourage anyone, young or old looking to get into this field to go for it full steam ahead. Currently, Tiffany is pursuing a parcel of agriculture land from the ministry of Agriculture to expand her tea business and food production. 

CFLI Sponsors Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Course for Women ages 17 – 50

Supported by

The Canada Fund Local Initiatives (CFLI) approved and made a generous donation to the GARD Center on 27 August 2021, in the amount of EC$62,946.00 to train 20 women between the ages of 17 – 50 years in Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) technologies.  This will train them to use their backyards and small spaces to grow food both in soil and hydroponically, to feed their families and to sell to markets, as agricultural entrepreneurs.

This grant funding will cover topics to include Composting; Integrated Pest Management; Water Conservation; Mulching, etc.  Each participant will build a mini hydroponic unit for their homes.  They will also be trained to process vegetables for freezing, that is standard, quality control, etc.  Sessions will also include life-skills, enterprise development and management.  Some vegetables will be harvested from the GARD Center Demonstration unit, as well as from the participants’ home plots.  A quantity of fresh produce will be used for blanching and freezing to develop an added value product.

The long term expected results of this Initiative will produce 20 women with backyard gardens and hydroponic units which will generate income for their families through the production of frozen vegetables.

Once again, the GARD Center wishes to sincerely thank the CFLI for this grant to empower the women of Antigua and Barbuda.

GARD Center – IICA Press Release: Vetiver Planting Training Session

Open or Download: Press Release Document in PDF format

Screenshot from the online training session showing participants.

Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) through Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) local office on Antigua partnered with the IICA-CBF EbA Project to support the implementation of Vetiver solutions through the development of nurseries in Antigua and Barbuda.

Open or Download: Press Release Document in PDF format