The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), has officially launched the building and training phases of the Hydroponics Train-the-Trainers Pilot Project in Schools. This initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture in St. Maarten.
The project began in January 2025 and is funded by the Green Overseas (GO) Programme, an initiative of the European Union implemented by Expertise France. It seeks to strengthen food security and climate resilience through hands-on training in hydroponic farming – a water-efficient, soil-less method ideal for the island's environmental conditions.
As part of the pilot project, hydroponic systems will be installed at eight schools across St. Maarten – six primary schools and two secondary schools. The participating institutions are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, Sr. Regina School, Sr. Magda School, Sr. Borgia School, Seventh-day Adventist School, Sundial School, and St. Dominique School. These installations aim to integrate sustainable agriculture into the school environment, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities while supporting school feeding programs and promoting local food production.
Leading the project is Kristina Adams, founder of Barbados-based Adams Aqualife, who brings more than 20 years of experience in hydroponic systems across the Caribbean. Adams was selected through a transparent and competitive tendering process and has previously delivered similar successful programs in Barbados, Anguilla, and other islands.
Read more at The Daily Herald