CASE to Commemorate 105th Anniversary

The College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) Alumni Association will commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Government Farm School in 1910, on January 30 and 31.

In an interview with JIS News, President of the CASE Alumni Association,Webster McPherson, said Founders’ Day is used to sensitize the students about the journey the school has made and recognize the efforts and contribution of the Founding Fathers.

Friday, January 30 which is dubbed, ‘Intellectual Stimulation Day’, will see the Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, and the Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, making presentations.

Meanwhile, distinguished graduates of the College will present aspects of their Academic Research covering topics such as ‘Jamaican Agriculture – Raising its Potential’, ‘Health and Wealth through Biotechnology’, ‘The Importance of Natural Products’, and ‘An Evaluation of the Farmer Training Programmes in Jamaica’.

Day two, Saturday, January 31 will be dubbed, ‘Inspirational Motivation Day’. “The day will take the format of a formal ceremony, when we will recognize one distinguished graduate who will be awarded with the Distinguished Ole Farmer of Excellence Award,” Mr. McPherson said. He added that 10 scholarships will also be presented to deserving students and the Class of 1988 will present five bursaries to the College. The activities will culminate with friendly rivalry between past and present students of the institution competing in football, volleyball, netball, dominoes, table tennis, and tug-o-war.

The government farm school was founded on January 25, 1910. In 1942 the name was changed to Jamaica School of Agriculture, which was closed in 1982. The institution in Portland started as the College of Agriculture and in 1995 it was merged with the then Passley Gardens Teachers’ College to become CASE.