06/07/2026
🥭 What if one of Nevis' most beloved mangoes became internationally recognised and protected?
That exciting possibility was the focus of a meeting last Friday between the Intellectual Property Office of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Hon. Eric Evelyn, Minister of Agriculture in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA).
Joining the discussions was Ms. Wendy Hollingsworth, Intellectual Property Expert with the Caribbean IP and Innovation Project (CARIPI)—an initiative under the CARIFORUM - European Union Economic Partnership Agreement that supports CARIFORUM States to strengthen and use intellectual property to drive innovation, competitiveness and economic development.
Over the last few days, Ms. Hollingsworth, who has worked extensively with countries to protect their hallmark products, began initial meetings with government agencies and other stakeholders to explore the potential of protecting the Nevis Amory Polly mango as a Geographical Indication (GI).
Minister Evelyn also designated Ms. Catherine Forbes, Research and Data Officer, as the Nevis Island Administration's focal point for the project. Ms. Forbes is no stranger to the IPOSKN as she has benefitted from extensive IP training, particularly in her former role at the Small Enterprise Development Unit in Nevis.
But what exactly is a Geographical Indication?
Simply put, a GI is a type of intellectual property that protects products whose qualities, reputation or unique characteristics are linked to a specific place.
Think of champagne from Champagne, France or Jerk seasoning from Jamaica or the steel pan from Trinidad and Tobago. Their names tell consumers that they're getting an authentic product with a reputation that is specifically linked to that place and that has been built over generations.
For Nevis, protecting the Amory Polly mango as a GI could:
🥭 Help preserve an important part of Nevisian heritage and identity.
🥭 Protect the name and reputation of the Amory Polly mango from misuse.
🥭 Create new marketing, branding and product development opportunities that distinguish the fruit in local and international markets.
🥭 Increase its commercial value, benefiting farmers, processors, tourism and the wider economy.
The Amory Polly mango has been more than just a fruit. For many, it brings back memories of childhood summers, family gatherings and the unmistakable taste of Nevis. Protecting it is about celebrating that heritage while exploring new opportunities for economic growth.
This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders as we explore whether the Nevis Amory Polly mango can become another Caribbean success story in geographical indications.
Our Office expresses sincere thanks to our Minister, Attorney-General Garth Wilkin and the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley for their contributions in making this exploratory mission a reality.
📸 Take a look at some highlights from the meeting with Minister Evelyn, along with photos of Ms. Hollingsworth and IPOSKN Counsel Candisie Franklin enjoying the Annual Nevis Mango Festival as we celebrate one of the island's sweetest traditions!
