Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen on Friday broke ground on the first of two planned 100,000-gallon cisterns in Bordeaux, marking a long-awaited investment to provide reliable water resources for farmers, Government House announced in a press release.
The project, years in the making, is part of the Bryan-Roach administration’s push to strengthen food security and support agriculture as a pillar of economic diversification. Farmers in Bordeaux — often called the heart of St. Thomas’ farming community — have struggled for decades with inadequate water access, according to the press release.
“For too many years, our farmers, especially here in Bordeaux, have carried the burden of doing more with less,” Bryan said. “They have been patient, resilient, and clear about what they need. Today we are not just listening. We are acting. These cisterns are not a promise. They are proof that this administration is committed to turning words into results for our farmers.”
The cisterns are being built by Habibah Bell of Harnel Engineering and Construction. The first structure will capture runoff from an existing 60,000-gallon cistern, expanding the water supply and easing persistent challenges for local farmers, the press release stated.
The groundbreaking also featured the introduction of a new 2,500-gallon water tanker, already in operation to distribute water to farmers across the islands. In addition, the Department of Agriculture recently acquired a backhoe to improve on-site support and responsiveness for farming needs, the release stated.
Commissioner Petersen said the cistern project represents a “turning point” for local agriculture. “For years, farmers have voiced their concerns about water access. This administration heard those concerns, and with the help of our community partners and the leadership of We Grow Food, we are delivering infrastructure that directly addresses the challenges farmers face,” he said.
We Grow Food President Delano Francis praised the project as a major step forward, calling it an example of collaboration between government and community, the release stated.
Bryan added that the administration’s agricultural investments are also about restoring trust. “Building these cisterns, putting new equipment to work, and introducing the water tanker are tangible steps,” he said. “They also symbolize something larger: our commitment to restoring trust between government and the farming community. For too long, farmers in Bordeaux and across our islands have questioned whether government would follow through. Today we are showing that we will.”
The administration emphasized that agriculture remains central to its agenda not only for economic growth, but also for cultural heritage and food security. Officials said the cisterns, tanker, and equipment are part of a broader strategy to build resilience, expand resources, and stabilize the territory’s economy.
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