SVG ranks among more developed countries – FAO Director General

Having already attained the World Food Summit’s (WFS) target of reducing, by more than half, the number of undernourished persons, this country ranks amongst some of the more developed countries around the world.{{more}}

According to Jose Graziano da Silva, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), this country is among a few countries to have achieved this and is also among the elite, who have made the best progress.

The director general, who was here on a two-day visit, said on Wednesday, at a press conference, that based on the results, St Vincent and the Grenadines ranked with some of the more developed countries around the world, including the United States and Canada, for having made the best progress in reducing undernourishment.

He produced a table with the results and according to the document, this country had performed in the same bracket as some of the more developed countries.

“So, I am saying that St Vincent is among the developed countries,” da Silva said.

“And again, I would like to congratulate the government and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for this achievement — it is so important,” he continued.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves journeyed to Rome last month to receive, on behalf of the people of this country, an award to officially recognize this country for its accomplishment.

This country is one of 18 countries, including Guyana and Cuba, from the Caribbean region to be recognized for attaining the Millennium Development Goal number one.

The FAO director general, who was part of a delegation of three, wrapped up his visit to this country yesterday, with a visit to some rural communities on the Windward side of mainland St Vincent.(DD)