COVER FEATURE
ANDRE SAMUEL | 34 Environmentalist & Farmer
O
ne third-grade seed germination project was enough to spark Andre Samuel’s passion for agriculture. But by the time he reached high school, it was no longer part of the curriculum. Andre was undeterred. “I was adamant that I wanted to do it,” he says, “so I did it outside the regular curriculum, during the time when I would have had physical education.” After high school, Sint Maarten-born Andre spent a year at the Department of Agriculture before heading off to study agronomy at the State University of New York at Cobleskill, finishing the program in just three years. Resuming at the department, he was instrumental in the development of vegetable farming in The Valley, helping the farmers employ more efficient techniques for their crops. “They knew what they were doing, but they probably never understood why,” he says. “I tried to put some science behind it.” By the time he left the Department of Agriculture, those farms, including Andre’s own Regal Farms, had quadrupled their output and were responsible for over 25% of the island’s vegetable production. Growing up, Andre learned discipline—and time management—from his Seventh-Day Adventist father and Methodist mother. “I didn’t have much of a weekend,” he laughs. “I had to be in church on Saturday and, again, on Sunday.” Now a Deputy Director in the Department of Environment, Andre is still involved with the Pathfinders (an Adventist youth group), as well as the Boy’s Brigade (via the Methodist Church). He’s also on the National Volleyball Team. “I don’t regret anything,” he says of his time in church youth groups. “They definitely made me who I am today.” HOPE FOR ANGUILLA IN 20 YEARS?
For us to be the envy of the Caribbean in social harmony and sustainability. Not just economics, but a clean community with a balance of economy and environment— somewhere that’s healthy, that you would want to retire, whether you’re Anguillian or not. POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS?
Yes, but not just yet. I've been approached by some community members. Maybe if we had a system with senators or mayors, I’d consider it sooner. CHIEF MINISTER FOR DAY?
“[IN 20 YEARS] I WANT US TO BE THE ENVY OF THE CARIBBEAN... A CLEAN COMMUNITY—WHERE YOU WOULD WANT TO RETIRE.”—Andre Samuel
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I’d want to address renewables to create more energy independence. You solve the energy question, then you give tourism and our economy a boost. Next is education—you simply can't have the people in ignorance. I’d also negotiate financing so that young people can access funds at better rates. They have ideas, but they don’t have the resources. Energy, education and innovation… the day after that, I think I’d relax!