Support Entrepreneurs Who Promote Brand Jamaica – Governor General

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is calling for greater support for the country’s young entrepreneurs, who are promoting Brand Jamaica.

“We must always be proud of Brand Jamaica and build brand recognition for products other than the well known coffee, cocoa, jerk sauces and rum. Many of our young entrepreneurs…are doing just that and we need to support them, “he said.

The Governor-General was addressing the opening of the 62nd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Shown in May Pen, Clarendon on August 1.

He stressed the need to consume locally grown produce, which is not only tasty, but full of nutrients and good for a healthy lifestyle.

“We read about the benefits of our tropical fruits and herbs for preventing cancer, reducing the risk of heart diseases, and helping to control or even reverse diabetes,” he said.

He pointed out as well, that given the illnesses scientists are now associating with genetically modified foods, this “makes it even more important for us to build our strength and our health by eating locally produced foods.”

He further lamented the nation’s “huge appetite” for foreign foods despite the abundance of local foods, fruits, vegetables and spices. He therefore implored Jamaicans to rely less on foreign foods, as imports drain the country of financial resources.

 “When we don’t produce and have high cost of imported goods, our economy weakens. Yes, we operate in a global economy, which makes it impossible for us to totally close our borders to imports. But, we must eat what we grow and grow what we eat,” he stressed.

In the meantime, the Governor-General lauded Jamaica’s farmers for their resilience despite the challenges of extreme drought, hurricanes and diseases.

 “Despite the regularity with which hurricanes and diseases wiped out entire fields and crops, our farmers, who are motivated by an undying commitment to hard work, keep replanting their fields so they can provide us with a steady supply of local produce,” he said.

Citing the passage of Hurricane Sandy two years ago which “almost decimated the agriculture sector,” the Governor General said that “thanks to our farmers, the sector is now back on track, and going for growth”.

“I know that our farmers are serious about going for growth and I am so grateful that the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and other arms of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are right there with them,” he said.

The Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show is being held under the theme: ‘Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow: Agriculture…Going for Growth’.

It seeks to promote the agricultural sector; display the best foods produced in Jamaica; and highlight the importance of agriculture to food security, business development and nation building.