By ieyenews

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Minister Ebanks Attends Official Handover of Locally Hatched Broiler Chicks at N Dee’s FarmGeorge Town, Cayman Islands – 22 September 2025 – The Honourable Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI), attended the official handover of approximately 1,500 locally hatched broiler chicks at N Dee’s Farm Ltd. in George Town, today.

Minister Ebanks was joined at the event by Department of Agriculture (DoA) Director Wilbur Welcome and Deputy Director Demoy Nash, who assisted in the transfer and commented on the significance of this milestone in local food production, another step towards building a food-secure nation.

N Dee’s Farm Managing Director, Noel Dawkins, handles broiler chicks before handover to the Department of Agriculture.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in Cayman’s capacity for local poultry production and food security, in line with the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2022–2036.

The chicks, successfully hatched at N Dee’s Farm’s local hatchery, are being offered to the Ministry of PLAHI and the Department of Agriculture (DoA) for distribution to selected farmers. The initiative will serve as a research project in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to assess how well locally hatched chicks adapt to Cayman’s climate and conditions. The findings will help guide evidence-based decision-making to strengthen the resilience of Cayman’s agricultural sector.

Minister Ebanks commended the initiative, stating: “Today represents more than just a transfer of chicks; it is a symbol of the progress we are making toward greater food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. By supporting local farmers with innovative solutions, we are building a stronger, more resilient Cayman Islands.”

(From Left) Minister Jay Ebanks and Director Wilbur Welcome overseeing N Dee’s Farm Managing Director, Noel Dawkins, with boxes of locally hatched broiler chicks.

N Dee’s Farm expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s leadership and support in reaching this important milestone. The farm’s efforts highlight the vital role of public-private collaboration in advancing agricultural innovation and food security across the Cayman Islands.

For more information on the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy, visitwww.gov.ky/pahi/national-food-policy

About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure (PLAHI)Under the guidance of Hon. Minister Johany “Jay” Ebanks, the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure (PLAHI) is committed to enhancing the quality of life and economic prosperity of the Cayman Islands through comprehensive planning, sustainable agriculture, efficient housing solutions, and critical infrastructure development.About the Department of Agriculture (DoA)

The Department of Agriculture (DoA), under the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI), is responsible for promoting and supporting the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the Cayman Islands. Through a combination of technical assistance, policy support, research, and regulatory services, the Department works to strengthen local food security, enhance animal health and welfare, and ensure the safe and effective use of agricultural inputs.