In a moment of celebration and significance for the Virgin Islands and beyond, FreshMinistries has officially turned over control of its state-of-the-art, six-greenhouse aquaponics facility to the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). This multi-million dollar, world-class facility—originally developed by FreshMinistries to jumpstart sustainable agribusiness in the territory—now enters a new chapter under UVI’s leadership.
This is not just a transfer of infrastructure. It marks a major victory in the mission to empower local communities and institutions. The original goal was bold: to catalyze agribusiness development and ultimately return control to local hands. That goal has now been successfully and joyously met.
The Island Fresh facility operates fully off the grid, powered by solar energy and rainwater catchment systems. It grows produce from seed to harvest in just 30 days—every month of the year—and produces exponentially more food per square foot than traditional soil farming. The system also cultivates fish as a sustainable protein source, integrating climate-smart aquaponics in a closed-loop system that addresses food insecurity, economic opportunity, and environmental resilience.
“We are honored to turn over this facility to the University of the Virgin Islands,” said the Rev. Dr. Robert V. Lee III, Founder, Chairman and CEO of FreshMinistries. “This project was designed to demonstrate that local agribusiness innovation could thrive here—and it has. Now UVI, with its extraordinary vision and leadership, is poised to take it even further.”
The facility also serves as the pilot and prototype for the Desmond Tutu Program to End Global Hunger, a FreshMinistries initiative that is now constructing 198 aquaponics-based systems across sub-Saharan Africa and expanding globally to provide food security, sustainable livelihoods, and educational opportunities.
“UVI, long known as the birthplace of modern aquaponics, has reignited that legacy,” Dr. Lee said. “With the creation of a School of Agriculture and an aquaponics major, the university has demonstrated its deep commitment to the future of food and farming in the Caribbean and around the world.”
FreshMinistries extends its deepest gratitude to those who helped make this vision a reality:
Dr. David Hall, former UVI President, who first partnered in envisioning this transition
Dr. Safiya George, current UVI President, whose dynamic leadership will shape the facility’s continued growth
Dr. Allison de Gazon Gordon, for her unwavering commitment and execution
Bishop Ambrose Gumbs, who helped secure the land and blessed the work
Farmers In Action, led by President Percival Taheema Edwards, for their steadfast partnership and friendship
And to Governor Albert Bryan, whose early support and long-term vision made this possible
“Thanks to Governor Bryan’s leadership, we’re not only seeing agribusiness thrive,” said Dr. Lee. “We are watching the Virgin Islands move steadily toward becoming an international agritourism destination. Today’s milestone is proof of that promise.”
For more information on FreshMinistries or the Desmond Tutu Program to End Global Hunger, visit www.freshministries.org
About FreshMinistries
FreshMinistries is a global non-profit organization based in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on eliminating poverty by empowering communities through sustainable development, education, health, and economic opportunity. Its programs span the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean, with signature initiatives in aquaponics, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and global hunger relief.
