Farmers and fishers in St. Kitts and Nevis are set to benefit from a transformative regional insurance programme designed to protect against natural disasters, market instability, and climate-related risks.

The Regional Economical Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP), first launched in 2024, developed by Lynch Caribbean Brokers Ltd. of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is being introduced locally in partnership with the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources.

Announced during the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St. Kitts, REAP offers a flexible, multi-peril parametric insurance model that uses satellite data and index-based triggers to deliver timely payouts, bypassing the need for traditional loss assessments.

The government will cover premiums for all registered farmers and fishers, ensuring wide access. Once a triggering event is detected, beneficiaries are notified within weeks, and payments are distributed directly.

REAP’s creation involved extensive consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring that it meets the real-world needs of producers. The programme goes beyond insurance by offering public education, digital dashboards, and tools for improved decision-making.

Federal Minister of Agriculture et. al, Hon. Samal Duggins called the programme necessity stating that it ensures “men and women who dedicate their lives to feeding our people can recover quickly aftershocks and continue their work without being pushed into financial hardship.