JAS to Raise the Bar at Denbigh 2009

The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) says it will be raising the bar this year at the annual Denbigh Agricultural Show.
According to JAS President, Senator Norman Grant, this year, “many new attractions will be showcased, agribusiness investment will be highlighted and youth in agriculture promoted.”
Senator Grant was speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on Tuesday ( June 2).
“Denbigh has grown into the region’s premier agricultural show and organisers are targeting 100,000 patrons overall, 40 000 of which are targeted from the Caribbean, North America and the United Kingdom.” He said.
“Friday (July 31) has been selected as Youth Day. On that day, the Governor-General will be on hand to interact with the youth,” he explained.
“Saturday (August 1) will see the main focus on agribusiness investment, with Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, as the main speaker, and Sunday (August 2) the main speaker will be Prime Minister, the Hon Bruce Golding,” he added.
Senator Grant explained that one of the objectives this year, is to show involvement in agriculture at the highest level, to help to change the perception that agriculture is solely a “grassroots” activity.
For example, there will be a Vale Royal Booth, showing agricultural activities at the Cabinet level, and a Kings House Booth, showing similar activities at Kings House in which the Governor-General, His Excellency Dr. Patrick Allen and Mrs. Allen are involved.
Celebrities will also put on show their relationship with the sector, cooking local foods in a Celebrity Cook Off.
Other attractions include equestrian show jumping, which is being held for the first time, and a special overseas contingent of farmers’ groups and agricultural organisations from Barbados, St Vincent, St Lucia and other Caribbean islands have been invited to participate and foster information exchange.
Patrons will also be able to enjoy “Jamaica Walk”, a traditional Jamaican village street with vendors selling local products.
“Visitors to Denbigh can stroll along ‘Jamaica Walk’ and eat what we grow, as a range of traditional local foods will be on offer,” Senator Grant continued.
There will also be Spa services, where patrons can get manicures, pedicures and related services.
Senator Grant said the show will also be streamed live on the INTERNET, particularly for Jamaicans overseas.