By Admin. Updated 12:39 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
While St. Vincent and the Grenadines has faced a series of challenges that have impacted its progress toward achieving zero hunger, the country continues to take important steps to address food insecurity.
Speaking in a recent interview with One News SVG, Mrs. Safiya Horne-BiqueMrs. Safiya Horne-Bique, CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), explained that although SVG was previously on track to meet its zero hunger goals, events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 volcanic eruption, droughts, and more recently Hurricane Beryl, have placed added strain on already vulnerable communities.
“Every time you make progress, something happens that makes you reevaluate and put other structures in place,” she explained, as she reflected on the series of setbacks—including the pandemic, volcanic eruption, and Hurricane Beryl—that have impacted food security efforts in the country.
However, Mrs. Horne-Bique made it clear that the response has not been passive. In light of these evolving challenges, the Zero Hunger Trust Fund has introduced measures such as the National Food Security Drive to strengthen resilience and ensure no one is left behind.
She highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals in light of rising global prices and trade uncertainties, stating, “It now becomes more important because of the trade and tariff war where you are expecting hiking prices and expecting persons already vulnerable to not be able to afford to buy food.”
She added that while progress may have slowed due to unforeseen events, the issues that initially sparked the push for sustainable development and food security remain at the forefront of national efforts.
Mrs. Horne-Bique emphasised the need for continued planning, preparation, and innovation, encouraging Vincentians to support national initiatives as the country adapts and moves forward.
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund was established by an Act of Parliament (Act No 2 of 2016), as a mechanism to “finance the eradication of hunger in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” the organisation says on its website.
The ZHTF SVG is funded by a 2% levy on telecommunications.
