Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 23, 2026 — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine
Resources, Sports, Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative
Economy, the Honourable Samal Duggins, is in Abuja, Nigeria as part of the delegation
led by Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, for the 2nd Annual Afri-
Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 2026).
Minister Duggins is serving as Co-Chair of the Agriculture and Food Security portfolio,
where he is leading key discussions focused on agricultural transformation, food
security, innovation, and sustainable development, bringing the perspective of Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) to the forefront of regional and international dialogue.
His role at the Summit underscores Saint Kitts and Nevis’ growing leadership in
advancing modern, climate-smart agriculture, and reflects the Federation’s continued
commitment to strengthening food systems and expanding opportunities for farmers and
fishers.
Notably, Minister Duggins was instrumental in coordinating the participation of several
OECS and Caribbean Agriculture Ministers, ensuring strong regional representation and
reinforcing a unified Caribbean voice at the Summit. Their presence highlights the
importance of regional collaboration and South-South cooperation in addressing shared
challenges and unlocking new opportunities across the agriculture sector.
In addition to high-level engagements, the delegation includes students and cultural
practitioners from St. Kitts and Nevis, who are now in Nigeria participating in cultural
exchange, creative showcases, and learning experiences, ensuring that the benefits of
this engagement extend beyond policy into real opportunities for people.
This multi-level participation reflects a deliberate approach: connecting government
leadership, regional partnerships, and people-to-people exchange to drive meaningful
and lasting outcomes.
The Summit, held under the theme “One Voice, One Vision: Advancing Afri-Caribbean
Unity,” continues to serve as a platform for building stronger ties in agriculture, trade,
investment, and the creative economy, while creating pathways for growth and global
engagement.
As Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to expand its presence on the international stage,
Minister Duggins’ leadership within the agriculture portfolio signals a clear direction,
from participation to influence, from dialogue to delivery.
