The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) proudly announces the transfer of stewardship of the Island Fresh Aquaponics facility at the historic Bethlehem Sugar Factory site on St. Croix from FreshMinistries to UVI, marking a major milestone in sustainable agriculture, education, and community development for the Territory.
During a special ceremony on June 3, 2025, UVI President Dr. Safiya George was joined by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Robert Vernon Lee, Executive Director of FreshMinistries, to celebrate the formal transition. The occasion underscores UVI’s longstanding commitment to agricultural innovation and its role as a land-grant institution dedicated to advancing food security, research, extension and education across the Caribbean.
“The University of the Virgin Islands is honored to carry forward the transformative vision set in motion by FreshMinistries,” said Dr. 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.”
The Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit, FreshMinistries, launched the Island Fresh initiative in 2021 as a catalyst for food production, wellness, and economic opportunity in St. Croix. The facilities include three 6,000-square-foot greenhouses and three 3,000-square-foot greenhouses, one of the largest aquaponics initiatives in the region.
Governor Bryan commended the project as a “visionary” effort, emphasizing its potential to reshape how Virgin Islanders live, eat, and grow. “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,” said Governor Bryan. “UVI is the perfect partner for this next chapter.”
Under UVI’s ownership, the facility will support the expansion of the University’s agricultural programs and outreach efforts, augmenting the University’s original aquaponics infrastructure, which was recently rebuilt following damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
“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 Dr. Usman Adamu, Dean and Director of the UVI School of Agriculture.
Looking ahead, UVI envisions the Island Fresh Aquaponics site as an educational and economic hub—a place where students, entrepreneurs, and community members come together to learn, innovate, and thrive.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnership with FreshMinistries that has led us to this point and look forward to carrying on their mission and to continuing the collaboration with FreshMinistries, St. Croix Farmers in Action, the VI government and others to serve the Virgin Islands community,” said President George. “This facility stands as a symbol of what’s possible when institutions, government, and community partners work together toward a sustainable future.”
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
