Massy Stores Saint Lucia Renames Its Annual Farmers’ Engagement Forum

Castries, Saint Lucia — Thursday October 30, 2025

Massy Stores Saint Lucia hosted its annual Registered Farmers and Stakeholder Forum under anew banner, “Dunstan Demille Farmers’ Connect”, in tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Dunstan “Chappie” Demille. A former Massy Stores executive, Demille is remembered for his visionary leadership and transformative approach to agricultural partnerships and community development.

Held under the theme “Rooted in Purpose,” the forum convened farmers, agribusiness leaders, civil society organizations, and other representatives to address the evolving challenges facing Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector. Topics included climate change, food import dependency, and the urgent need for more inclusive and resilient food systems. Demille’s legacy as a passionate advocate for farmers’ empowerment was a central focus. He pioneered a relationship-driven commerce model that emphasized long-term collaboration overshort-term   transactions,   an   approach   that   continues   to   inform   Massy   Stores’   agricultural strategy, which integrates commercial success with community responsibility and food security advocacy.

Martin Dorville, Managing Director of Massy Stores Saint Lucia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Demille’s vision:

“We’re the largest integrated retailer in Saint Lucia, and we recognize our responsibility tostrengthen the partnerships that support our food systems and communities. Dunstan’s legacyreminds us that our role goes beyond retail, it’s about nation-building.”The forum featured heartfelt tributes and bold calls to action. Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, Executive Director of Helen’s Daughters and a close collaborator of Demille, described him as a father figure whose holistic approach to agriculture inspired a generation of advocates. She challenged Massy Stores to set a procurement target of 50% local content on its shelves, urging deeper support for local producers.

“It grows from people,” Caroo-Afrifa said. “Dunstan understood that agriculture is not just about food, it’s about dignity, equity, and opportunity.”
Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture praised Demille’s role in negotiating fair farmer-supplier agreements and highlighted Massy   Stores’   interest-free   credit   facilities   and   collaborative   procurement   practices  as exceptional within the Caribbean retail landscape.

“Massy Stores has shown that with the right leadership, retailers can grow with confidence while uplifting the communities they serve,” Louisy noted. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from Massy Stores to institutionalize Demille’s values  through  ongoing  stakeholder  engagement, policy  advocacy,  and  investment  in  local agriculture. The company announced plans to host regular forums, expand farmer support programs, and explore new models for sustainable sourcing.

This event not only honored a beloved leader but also set the stage for a new era of agricultural transformation in Saint Lucia, one rooted in purpose, partnership, and progress.

End…

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Mitchell Divisional Head | Marketing and Corporate Communications Massy Stores (SLU) Ltd.
Cell: 285-5592
Email:  [email protected]