The organic farmers of Barbados can be found here. They’re a part of the Organic Growers and Consumers Association of Barbados (OGCA).
From their bios, the ones I liked most were:
Dorian who believes in organic living which she started 14 years ago, using medicinal plants and growing vegetables. Caring for people, and the earth it says is her philosophy.
And how about Ras Mike who quit his job in 2001 to dedicate his time to farming? Sounds familiar? His aim is to be self-sufficient, to grow food to help people which is what I’ve been thinking with respect to helping others grow their own food, and I like that he’s concerned about the land, not only interested in taking from it but making sure it remains productive. His animals are for manure, not slaughter.
I sent them all personalized versions of this email (which you can skip if you’re reading my posts and sick of hearing my life story):
Good morning Ras Mike,
I’m an about-to-be English teacher in Costa Rica. Last year I stopped eating meat and dairy products for this simple reason —life. We share the planet but human egos are destroying the planet. Considering that has been a catalyst for my increasing consciousness…I’ve been making the effort to continue my awakening. This has led me to want to live a life that is more in alignment with my new values.
I was very happy to find that there are like-minded people in Barbados. I found you on the OGCA website and really related to your story because I have quit my job and was hoping to dedicate myself to growing my own food. Needing money though, I’ve decided to work for another year or two to save so I can do that.
I will be in Barbados from the 25th of June until the 14th of July to help with my autistic sister so I’m not sure how much free time I will have but it would mean a lot to me to be able to meet with you and hear your story and even work voluntarily because I’d like to get as much experience as I can. I’ve already sent Dorian from the site an email and will send one to a few others.
The change in my life are happening quickly and I’m trying to be open and invite it…so I’m reaching out. I want to learn from you…all you have to teach me and I’d also like to help in any way I can. If you have challenges, you are tackling let me know and I can research solutions and see what people here are doing.
Thank you, Ras Mike. I don’t even know you, but I appreciate you and all the others for leading by example. We need to return to a respect for the land…like you said on the site, to taking care of it instead of poisoning it.
Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you.
Have a great day!
phone #285 9927 rasmike49@yahoo.fr
The others I reached out to:
Roger holder Nuevo (brother passed away from cancer, leased land) Organics Pine Basin
email: nuevo_organics@live.com
Troy Cumberbatch —St Andrew -UWI chemistry
email: troy.cumberbatch@gmail.com
Kevin Watson Sunrise Organic Farm 2367639/829 9609)
Dorian Brathwaite senebfoundation@yahoo.com
How do they deal with the monkeys?
What are my other plans for this trip to Barbados? To visit the Ministry of Agriculture to ask some questions I still don’t know I want to ask…but generally to take it easy…see friends, beach it, to BE in Barbados.
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