Manuel Otero, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), has been honoured by the countries of the Eastern Caribbean for his outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing agriculture across the region. The award was presented during the inagual study and training visit to IICA’s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, where Caribbean agriculture ministers, along with rural youth and women leaders, gathered to share experiences and strengthen regional collaboration.
Under Otero’s leadership, IICA has redefined the role of agriculture moving beyond productivity to embrace rural development, food sovereignty, technology and climate resilience.
Among his notable achievements are the integration of climate-smart technologies into regional farming systems, targeted support for family farmers, and increased investments in digitization, innovation, and rural inclusion.
His tenure has also seen stronger alliances between Latin America, the Caribbean, and global agricultural institutions to address food security and sustainability challenges.
Accepting the award, Otero emphasized IICA’s commitment to inclusive growth.
“Our mission is built on openness, dialogue, and collaboration. We want rural communities not only to survive but to thrive. For that, youth involvement, innovation, and cross-regional cooperation are essential.”
Speaking on behalf of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Director General Dr. Didacus Jules praised Otero’s transformative vision.
“He has helped recast agriculture not as a marginal activity, but as a foundation of environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic progress. His work has uplifted rural communities, supported women and youth, and given Caribbean agriculture a global voice.”
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Dr Jules presented Otero with “Farmers,” a painting by Saint Lucian artist Johnathan Gladding, which captures the essence of Caribbean rural life.
The OECS delegation included ministers Roland Royer (Dominica), Samal Duggins (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Alfred Prospere (Saint Lucia), Lennox Andrews (Grenada), and Saboto Caesar (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).
Their visit forms part of a wider initiative to enhance regional collaboration in agriculture through shared experiences, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
In turn, IICA also honoured Dr. Didicus Jules for his contributions to agricultural development and regional cooperation in the Caribbean, highlighting the mutual respect and commitment between both institutions.
