The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, concluded a successful and productive visit to Jamaica, reinforcing Bermuda’s regional leadership and commitment to sustainable development.
The public will be aware that last week, Minister Lightbourne attended the 49th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Montego Bay from July 6-8, alongside Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and MP Christopher Famous. The delegation engaged with regional leaders, including outgoing CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, Prime Minister Gaston Alfonso Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, among others.
One of the highlights of Minister Lightbourne’s visit was an extensive tour of the Mulberry Valley Estate in St. Mary, a unique 20-acre agro-ecotourism destination founded by Jamaican artist Jeffrey Campbell (“Agent Sasco”). The estate, scheduled to open in 2026, is inspired by a commitment to sustainability, integrates agriculture and tourism, emphasising community-driven development and food security.
Minister Lightbourne shared, “Mulberry Valley Estate exemplifies purposeful and sustainable land use. Its commitment to regenerative agriculture, eco-conscious construction, and community empowerment demonstrates viable pathways to reducing living costs. As Bermuda addresses rising costs and deepens our focus on food security, Mulberry inspires us to reimagine our approach to land use, transforming vacant lots into thriving community assets.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of Bermuda leveraging these insights to support local efforts, including shared gardens, cooperative kitchens, and land-based education.
And Mr. Campbell said, “Having government officials from Bermuda visit the Valley in their professional capacity feels like one of those full-circle, law of attraction moments. When I first visited Bermuda over 20 years ago, I was immediately struck by its unique landscape; the white roofs, colorful buildings, volcanic rock walls, and of course, the iconic Bermuda grass.
“I later learned that the white roofs weren’t just for aesthetics; they were designed for rainwater harvesting. That discovery left a lasting impression on me, and I’ve been an advocate for water harvesting ever since. In many ways, Bermuda helped to shape the vision for what would become Mulberry Valley Estate.”
During her visit, Minister Lightbourne also engaged with media outlets in Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands, amplifying Bermuda’s role and vision within CARICOM.
Minister Lightbourne concluded, “These relationships, strengthened through both formal sessions and informal discussions, position Bermuda as a collaborative partner in regional development. I extend heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, and the people of Jamaica for their warm hospitality and partnership.”