He said formerly, Cherry Gardens was used exclusively for animal husbandry.  He said the farmers did not own the land.  The PS said despite the fact that Nevis Island Administration (NIA) did not have a legal obligation to relocate the farmers, NIA had decided it was the right thing to do.
He said land was identified (Eastern side of Low Grounds), 25 rolls of fencing were made available, the land was cleared and animals’ pens constructed.  The land, 31.5 acres, said the PS has been modernized for farmers to practice animal husbandry.  The land is valued at EC$7million, he noted and said farmers were at liberty to lease the land.
The PS encouraged Cherry Gardens homeowners to plant fruit trees of their choice.  He said the Ministry of Agriculture would work closely with the home owners.