Best of St. Thomas 4-H Clubs Showcased at Parish Expo 2025
By: , March 19, 2025
Photo: Raymond Simpson
The Port Morant Primary School 4-H Club mounts a visually appealing display of food and beverage items made with Jamaican sorrel, at the St. Thomas 4-H Clubs’ Parish Expo held at the Seaforth High School in the parish on March 14.
Photo: Raymond Simpson
Robert Lightbourne High School students (right) visit the Urban Development Corporation's booth at the St. Thomas 4-H Clubs’ Parish Expo at the Seaforth High School in the parish on March 14. Engaging with the students (from left) are Communications Officer, Latoya Chambers and Environmental Officer, Malcolm Whyte.The Full Story
The best of youth agriculture and innovation were on show at the annual St. Thomas 4-H Clubs’ Parish Achievement Expo, held at the Seaforth High School on Friday (March 14).
All things sorrel was the focus of this year’s event, which featured exciting displays on the versatility of the beloved crop.
There was also the usual roster of competitions, which gave club members the opportunity to showcase their talents for a chance to win prizes and to compete at the national level.
Speaking with JIS News, St. Thomas 4-H Clubs’ Parish Manager, Nathelie Byfield, dubbed the day a resounding success, pointing to the many byproducts of sorrel created by club members as well as the collaboration of various agencies, exhibitors and sponsors in the execution of the event.
“Many persons did not know that sorrel could be sliced and diced and used in cake making, or that it makes a delicious topping or a delicious chutney. Jamaicans traditionally know of sorrel in our wines, in our drink or for colouring in cake making,” she pointed out.
On April 16, when the islandwide network of Jamaica 4-H Clubs converges for the National Expo in Clarendon, St. Thomas will be represented by Jaydon White and Kacia Headley, in the coveted Boy and Girl of the Year competition.
With $1 million each up for grabs, Ms. Byfield is looking forward to the participation of both St. Thomas Technical High School students and a potential repeat of the parish’s 2017 sweep in the contest.
“We continue our preparations going into the nationals, hoping for the best and hoping to come out on top,” the Manager said.
Guest Speaker at the Parish Expo, Haile Selassie High School Principal, Anniona Jones, gave an impassioned charge to the youngsters to play their part in the nation’s food security drive.
Pointing out that the average age of the Jamaican farmer is 48, Ms. Jones said, “I want a day in this country when the average farmer is no older than 25.
“We’re going to have to excite people about this idea of farming,” she added.
