Ground Broken for $69 Million RADA Office in Trelawny

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, on Thursday, July 18, signed a contract and broke ground for the construction of a new parish office for the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in Hague, Trelawny.

The $69 million project entails the construction of a two-storey reinforced concrete building at the Hague Showground, which will house some 22 RADA staff and other government agencies. The contract period is nine months.

Addressing a ceremony held at the construction site, Minister Clarke stated that over 10,000 farmers in the region will benefit from the facility.  “This will have a significant impact on the region and is part of our Ministry’s plans to improve customer service at RADA,” he stated.

He noted that the project is in keeping with the commitment of his Ministry and RADA, to advance the development of a modern and efficient agricultural sector.

“We recognise that a modern agricultural sector speaks not just to the provision of new agricultural facilities, but also to the application of new and appropriate technologies, strategies, and knowhow, which must be suitably translated into everyday farming and management practices,” he stated.

Minister Clarke said that with the agricultural sector now poised for growth, the Ministry needs to attract more qualified officers in technical areas, and there is the need to provide the kind of working environment that will enable such personnel to perform optimally.

He commended the RADA officers for their contribution to the farming sector over the years.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RADA, Lenworth Fulton, in bringing greetings at the ceremony, said he was elated at the implementation of the project.

He said the new facility will not only serve the farmers of Trelawny but others across the country.

Also present at the signing and ground breaking were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Donavan Stanberry; National Board Chairman of RADA, Dr. Denzil Williams; Custos of Trelawny, Hon. Paul Muschette; and Mayor of Falmouth, Garth Wilkinson.