In the spirit of new beginnings, we are graced with renewed opportunities for growth and a chance to prepare new pathways for achieving our goals. In mid-December 2018, I assumed the role of FAO Representative ad interim, providing me with an opportunity to continue the good work of those before me and to take on the new opportunities for increasing the contribution of agriculture, in its broadest sense, to the region’s human well-being.

Our work across the Representation will continue to promote food and nutrition security, enhance climate resilience, facilitate more sustainable and inclusive trade and value chains and help to develop more enabling policy, legal and institutional arrangements. As we intensify our efforts this year and press even harder towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals together with our fellow UN agencies, collaboration and coordination across sectors remain two of our most important ways of working. This is mainly because it allows us to develop a more complete understanding about the dynamics of food systems. In doing so, we can better focus our efforts and limited resources where we can make the greatest difference.

FAO remains committed to working with governments, the private sector, development partners, civil society, academia, our nations’ farmers, fishers and agricultural enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, including women and youth in agriculture, and all other stakeholders across Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize in pursuing a shared vision of more resilient and modern agriculture and food secure nations.

On behalf of the Representation, we look forward to your continued support in these endeavours and to a year of great achievements.

Juan Cheaz Peláez

FAO Representative a.i.

for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize

Trade and Markets Officer for the Caribbean