Forestry Dept Opens New Training Facility

The Forestry Department on Monday (July 19) officially opened its new training facility, which will be used to train staff in both forestry and customer service standards.
The facility will also aid in the development of forestry reserves, both locally and regionally, through the provision of critical information gained from ongoing research activities.
Speaking at the official opening and dedication ceremony at the Forestry Department, Kingston, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry, said it will help fill the need for training across the Ministry.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Forestry Department and Conservator of Forests, Marilyn Headley, speaking at the official opening of the training facility at the Forestry Department, Kingston on Monday (July 19). The facility seats about 100 persons theatre style and will be used to train staff in forestry and customer service standards.

He said that the Ministry places great emphasis on training, as agriculture is a not a static science and there is always the need to go for higher levels of productivity and production, and doing things better to reduce the cost of production.
“I guess it pays off, since we have now grown for eight consecutive quarters, so we expect the same for the Forestry Department,” he said.
Mining Operations Manager at JAMALCO, Leighton Jones, said that the relationship between the two bodies has been “successful,” over the years.
“We are very proud, through Alcoa Foundation, to have contributed to the rebuilding of this structure,” he stated.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry (left), and Mining Operations Manager, JAMALCO, Leighton Jones, unveil a plaque marking the official opening of the training facility at the Forestry Department in Kingston on Monday (July 19). At right is Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Forestry Department and Conservator of Forests, Marilyn Headley.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Forestry Department, Marilyn Headley, said the opening of the facility was a milestone for the Department, and commended the stakeholders.
Miss Headley, who is also Conservator of Forests, said a lot of hard work and determination led to its re-construction, at a cost of $12.8 million, with the help of the Alcoa Foundation and the Government.
The previous facility was gutted by fire and damaged during Hurricane Dean. The new one is also available for public use. It has seating for about 100 persons and consists of a kitchen and lunch area, among others amenities.