Sandals Foundation Fuels Composting Initiative for Food Security in Turks & Caicos  

MEDIA RELEASE

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos — November 19, 2024 – Building on the success of the Compost & Grow initiative launched in 2022, the Sandals Foundation has renewed its commitment to sustainable agriculture in the Turks and Caicos Islands through an expanded phase of the program, Compost & Grow TCI II. Partnering once again with the Department of Agriculture, this next chapter is supported by a USD $15,000 grant, aiming to deepen food security efforts by providing 70 community members with compost tumblers, hands-on training, and a new demonstration plot at Kew Farms.

The program, which will see to the distribution of 30 compost units across Providenciales, 15 in Grand Turk, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and 10 units South Caicos will also build the capacity of 70 community members in their correct use.

“This training was well needed for the community, as we know good quality soil is scarce” Yvette Cox, District Commissioner, South Caicos

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In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the scarcity of rich, arable soil presents a significant challenge for local agriculture. Much of the terrain is sandy and lacks the organic material needed to support robust plant growth, making quality soil a rare and valuable resource. The community has long recognized the need for soil enrichment initiatives to make sustainable farming more feasible. With more sand than soil across the islands, efforts like composting and soil conditioning have become essential to improve agricultural productivity and enhance food security.

Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh, Director of the Department of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s support: “This initiative is a vital step toward creating a resilient, sustainable food system for Turks and Caicos. By investing in composting education and resources, we are empowering residents with the skills needed to enhance local food production and reduce reliance on imported resources.”

North Caicos Training

Since its launch in 2022, the Compost & Grow initiative has made significant strides in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over the past two years, the program has provided composting education to diverse community groups, including 75 local farmers, 75 students, and government representatives, equipping them with the skills to transform organic waste into valuable compost. Through a series of hands-on training sessions, participants learned the fundamentals of waste separation and compost production, supported by ongoing guidance from the Sandals Foundation and the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort landscaping team. The initiative has engaged community stakeholders across multiple islands, fostering environmental awareness and building a foundation for increased local food production.

“We’re all about making a real difference for people and our planet,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. It’s about communities gaining the skills they need to grow their own food and take care of their environment. It’s about giving families the tools to build a stronger future, one step at a time, and knowing that together, we’re creating something truly lasting.”

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