The University of the Virgin Islands has formally taken over stewardship of the Island Fresh Aquaponics facility at the historic Bethlehem Sugar Factory site on St. Croix, marking a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture, education, and community development across the territory.
The transfer from FreshMinistries to UVI was celebrated during a ceremony held June 3. UVI President Safiya George was joined by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and the Rev. Robert Vernon Lee, executive director of FreshMinistries, to commemorate the milestone. The facility’s new ownership reflects UVI’s continued commitment as a land-grant institution to expanding food security, research, and workforce development throughout the Caribbean, according to the press release.
“The University of the Virgin Islands is honored to carry forward the transformative vision set in motion by FreshMinistries,” said George. “The Island Fresh Aquaponics facility represents not only a model of sustainability, but also a tremendous opportunity to expand hands-on education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship in agriculture.”
FreshMinistries, a nonprofit based in Jacksonville, Florida, launched the Island Fresh initiative in 2021 as a driver for food production, wellness, and economic opportunity in St. Croix. The facility includes three 6,000-square-foot greenhouses and three 3,000-square-foot greenhouses, making it one of the region’s largest aquaponics operations, the press release stated.
Bryan praised the project’s long-term potential, stating, “We are deeply grateful to Dr. George for embracing this opportunity and ensuring that Island Fresh continues as a vital resource for education and innovation. UVI is the perfect partner for this next chapter.”
Under UVI’s direction, the facility will support the expansion of the University’s agricultural programs and outreach efforts. It also complements UVI’s existing aquaponics infrastructure, which was recently rebuilt after sustaining hurricane damage in 2017, the release stated.
“This transfer will strengthen UVI’s capacity to offer new programs and allow us to immediately enhance research, teaching, and outreach activities that benefit students and farmers alike,” said Usman Adamu, dean and director of the UVI School of Agriculture.
Looking ahead, UVI plans to position the site as a hub of educational and economic activity— a space where students, entrepreneurs, and community members can learn, innovate, and collaborate, the release stated.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnership with FreshMinistries that has led us to this point and look forward to carrying on their mission,” George said. “This facility stands as a symbol of what’s possible when institutions, government, and community partners work together toward a sustainable future.”
