JBI Teams with Papine High on Greenhouse Farming
By: , June 18, 2024
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Papine High School Principal, Leighton Christie (seated left), looks on as General Manager, Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), Yolanda Drakapoulos, signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the use of a greenhouse owned by the JBI for the advancement of the school’s agriculture programme. The ceremony was held on June 14 at the JBI’s offices in St. Andrew where the greenhouse is situated. Looking on are (from left) Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green; State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith; and Board Chair of the Papine High School, Dr. Noel Watson.
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green (second left), is attentive as Papine High School student Raheim Marshall (second right) explains the technique of growing lettuce in a greenhouse. Looking on are fellow students Venicia Raymor (left), Ashalee Robinson. The Minister toured the greenhouse facility following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) and the Papine High School for the utilisation of the greenhouse located at the JBI’s St. Andrew headquarters, for the advancement of the agriculture programme at the school. The ceremony took place on June 14 at the JBI.The Full Story
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) and Papine High School for the utilisation of a greenhouse to advance the school’s agriculture programme.
The signing took place on Friday (June 14) at the JBI in St. Andrew where the greenhouse is located.
The partnership is intended to equip the students in greenhouse growing techniques to meet the demands of a modern agricultural sector.
Under the MOU, the JBI will provide technical assistance, seedlings, and other support, while maintenance and upkeep of the greenhouse will be shared between the parties.
The agreement will be effective for three years with the potential for renewal.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, in his remarks commended the partnership, which he said, is in line with the
Ministry’s drive to revitalise the school garden programme and introduce students to the latest techniques in agriculture.
“It doesn’t make sense that we [talk about] pick and hoe when agriculture is past that and is now at drones, greenhouse technology, hydroponics and aeroponics. We must see how we can enhance our partnerships with our schools to ensure that they have the technology that they need to do this innovative form of agriculture,” he said.
State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, in her remarks thanked JBI “for partnering with our educational facilities to show our young persons how interconnected knowledge is”.
General Manager, JBI, Yolanda Drakapoulos, said the initiative represents a shared vision for the future of education and agriculture in Jamaica.
“This Memorandum of Understanding not only marks a new chapter of collaboration, growth and opportunity for both our institutions but is testament to the bauxite and alumina industry’s commitment to Brand Jamaica and its people. The JBI is ready to replicate this project in other locations within the urban space once given the resources,” she said.