Following the Burlington example - 1979

BACG History Post #29

Tommy Thompson was not one to let grass grow under his feet. After seven years of community garden organizing in Vermont and across the United States, he was ready for a new challenge.

Funded by a grant from a U.S. foundation, Thompson set off for the Caribbean on December 3, 1979. He was slated to return to the U.S. on December 20. 

His purpose was to help the islanders of Antigua to establish community gardens on six acres of land obtained from the government. The grant was based on the new gardens being in production by the end of December. 

The pilot project was designed to boost nutrition and self-sufficiency, and to serve as a model for other community garden projects in the Caribbean and Central America.

Developed in partnership with the Caribbean Council, this was the first international venture for Gardens for All. As he had done from the beginnings of Gardens for All, Thompson was willing to lead the way.