A scene during the expo.
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten’s first Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) Expo drew a strong and diverse turnout on Thursday, December 11, marking what the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) says is a turning point in the country’s food security and economic diversification efforts.
The event, hosted by TEATT’s Department of Economic, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) at the University of St Martin (USM), showcased growing public interest in the emerging sector. Attendees included entrepreneurs, educators, seasoned farmers, investors, and families who gathered to learn about opportunities within agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten checking out the products at one of the stalls.What began as a policy approved in 2022 has now developed into what TEATT describes as a “clear and organised national movement” aimed at reducing food import dependence and building a sustainable local industry.
The Expo featured presentations from sector leaders, beginning with Acting Department Head Shervin Frederick, who delivered an ALF sector overview and an update on the 2025 Expo. Policy Advisor Wendy Jack outlined the current state and future of the fisheries sector, followed by the Nature Foundation’s Sabrina Brismeur, who addressed environmental and sustainability considerations. ETT Policy Advisor Vanessa Mattew and hydroponics programme coordinator Ajit Persaud presented advancements in school hydroponics initiatives. Senior Policy Advisor Rose Poraan-Fleming discussed efforts to develop a sustainable poultry industry.
A standout moment came from Persaud and his colleagues, who reported on the success of hydroponics in schools through the Green Overseas Train-the-Trainer
Programme. The initiative has redirected troubled youth, taught students entrepreneurial skills, and allowed children to benefit directly from the produce they grow. According to the presentation, Foundation Catholic Education SKOS now serves as a model for how agriculture can be reintegrated into education.
Vendors and partners also participated, including Qredits represented by Oliver Williams, SEDC led by Pearl Hendrickson and her team, Arrowroot Farms represented by Josiah Halley, Nutramix represented by Desmond Brown, supplier of chicks and feed Henk Lake, and hobbyist farmer Merlyn Harrigan. Their presence reflected the broad ecosystem needed to support a modern ALF industry, from financing to training and supplies.
In her remarks, the Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten underscored the urgency of developing the local ALF sector, telling the audience, “We import nearly everything we eat. When the world sneezes… St. Maarten catches the flu,” a comment that drew warm laughter. She continued, “Developing our Agriculture, Livestock & 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.”
She also acknowledged support received to date, noting the upcoming DCALFA Annual Conference in 2026, which Sint Maarten will host, and the Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) now en route through assistance from Curaçao Prime Minister Pisas.
In his closing remarks, Acting Department Head Frederick said, “This has been long in the making, and based on the turnout, we can clearly see the interest in learning more and exploring what this industry offers. This is just the beginning. The Department, the Ministry, and our partners will continue working to ensure ALF becomes a real pillar of diversification for St. Maarten. I thank my team for their support in making this happen and the Minister for championing our vision. For anyone seeking more information, please reach out to the Department.”
The Ministry of TEATT says additional ALF initiatives will be rolled out as momentum continues to grow.
