The Chairman of the Board of Governors of CARDI, Dr. Timothy Harris, made the appeal against the backdrop of serious arrears by member states to CARDI. 

The challenge of member states meeting their core commitments on a regular and timely basis has undermined CARDI’s ability to meet its obligations to its staff, including payment of staff arrears. 

Dr. Harris was supported at the meeting of CARIOM Heads by Dr Arlington Chesney, Executive Director of CARDI. 

CARDI is the only regional institution identified in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas with responsibility to advance science and technology support services to the region’s agricultural sector.  

Since 2007, CARDI has attracted approximately $50m in donor support for its work in member states in several areas of interest including protected agriculture, climate change, development of roots and tubers, small ruminants (sheep and goat). 

Dr. Harris said, “Throughout the world agriculture is primarily driven by technology, information and knowledge.  In this regard, there is a major need for a well functioning regional institute to coordinate and to add incremental value to national strategic actions.  CARDI’s success in attracting donor support is an indication of the measure of respect it has earned in the international community.  National governments must show their willingness to support CARDI by making timely payments of their agreed contributions”.