GG Says Backyard Gardening Will Help Food Security
By: , August 2, 2022
Photo: Adrian Walker
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (centre, foreground), holds a mango given to him by Water Utilization Officer at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Winston Daines (left). Mr Daines showed His Excellency the functionalities of the irrigation system on display at the booth. Looking on is Director of the Division of Technology, Training and Technology, RADA. Winston Shaw. His Excellency was touring the Denbigh Agricultural Food Show in Clarendon on July 31.
Photo: Adrian Walker
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (centre), speaks with Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (right) and Member of Parliament for the Southern Shores Constituency in The Bahamas, Leroy Major, during a ceremony on day two, July 31 of the Denbigh Agricultural Food Show in Clarendon.
Photo: Adrian Walker
Wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen (right) sits on a resort motorcycle used during excursions at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, while touring the resort’s booth on day two of the 2022 Denbigh Agricultural Food Show, held in Clarendon July 30 to August 1. Looking on is Reservation and Customer Service Manager at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Taneisha James-Francis.
Photo: Adrian Walker
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (second right, foreground) and Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen (second left), tour the Rural Agricultural and Development Authority (RADA) St. James booth, guided by Vice President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Glendon Harris (right). Looking on is Manager of the St. James Division, RADA, Ricardo Holt. Their Excellencies were touring the Denbigh Agricultural Food Show in Clarendon on July 31.The Full Story
Jamaicans are being encouraged to practise backyard gardening for food security and to strengthen the agricultural sector.
This was the advice from Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, on day two of the 2022 Denbigh Agricultural Food Show, held in Clarendon July 30 to August 1.
“The work we put in today will reflect the Jamaica we see tomorrow… . Grow what you eat and eat what you grow,” he emphasised.
He pointed out that understanding the importance of food production and the supply chain is “critical” for Jamaica’s sustainable development.
“So, by highlighting research and innovation in agricultural practices, we are making more [people] increasingly aware of the value of the agricultural sector and the roles we can play in safeguarding our future,” he added.
The three-day event showcased exhibitions from local farmers, small businesses and stakeholders in the agricultural sector and is marked as the largest agricultural show in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The Governor-General, along with his wife, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen, participated in an official tour of the parish villages, livestock competitions, and the exhibitions.
Against this backdrop, he lauded the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), for its “relentless promotion of backyard gardening”.
“Denbigh is helping to play a role in the mission of the United Nations and Jamaica, to achieve one of its Sustainable Development Goals, and that is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages,” he said.
He noted that the show also helps to educate the public about issues in the food industry. “As a small island developing state, we must seriously consider water and food security and the [impact] of climate change for our future,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for the Southern Shores Constituency in The Bahamas, Leroy Major, who also represented that country’s Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, Hon. Clay Seeting, stated that the Bahamian government will partner with Jamaica to help sustain its agriculture sector.
“We know that Jamaica is one of the leading nations in the region when it comes to agriculture. We believe you can truly help us, and we remain committed to you,” he said.