Dywany St. John, a 29-year-old farmer and police officer from the Commonwealth of Dominica, has been named the 2026 CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, a regional honour that places the island's agricultural potential squarely in the spotlight.
The recognition celebrates St. John's work in farming while serving in the Dominica Police Force, a dual career that demonstrates how young Dominicans can build livelihoods from the land. His achievement is being held up as evidence that agriculture offers real opportunity for a generation that has often looked abroad or to other sectors for employment.
Agriculture has long been a pillar of Dominica's economy, from the banana trade that once sustained rural communities to the cocoa, coffee and fresh produce that continue to reach regional and international markets. The sector supports farmers, fishers and vendors across the island, from Portsmouth to Grand Bay and the Kalinago Territory, and remains central to the Government's push for food security and economic resilience.
St. John's award comes as regional bodies such as CARICOM continue to encourage youth participation in farming, recognising that the average age of farmers across the Caribbean is rising and that succession planning is a pressing concern. The CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year title is intended to showcase successful young producers and to encourage others to see agriculture as a modern, viable and dignified profession.
For Dominica, the honour carries particular weight. The island's volcanic soils, abundant rainfall and diverse microclimates give it natural advantages for crop production, while its geothermal energy potential and emphasis on sustainability under the Nature Isle brand create a framework for climate-smart farming. Young farmers who combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques are seen as key to strengthening the sector.
St. John's story also reflects the reality that many Dominicans hold more than one occupation. Balancing the discipline of police work with the demands of farming requires organisation and commitment, and his example may resonate with young people who are weighing their options at home rather than migrating.
The award is expected to draw attention to the practical support available to young farmers, including access to land, training, marketing assistance and financing through national and regional programmes. Agriculture officials have repeatedly stressed that the sector's future depends on attracting new entrants who can innovate and adapt to changing markets and climate conditions.
As the 2026 CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, St. John joins a group of regional honourees whose work is highlighted at CARICOM meetings and agricultural events. His recognition is a reminder that Dominica's farming tradition is not only a heritage to be preserved but a living opportunity for the next generation.