More Attractions at Denbigh this Year

The Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show is traditionally known for its display of the very best in local livestock, agricultural and horticultural exhibits from all 14 parishes.
However, come August 4 to 6, patrons will be in for a treat as two new attractions will be added to the offerings. Speaking at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, said that the organization would be introducing the Emancipation and International Villages.
According to Senator Grant, the international village would be managed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), which would partner with the JAS to develop the booth to include a display of items that are produced in Jamaica for export.
On show will be some of the finest Jamaican produce now being marketed to the tourism sector. Senator Grant said that for Denbigh 2007, it is expected that tours would be coming in from hotels.
Highlighting the Emancipation village, the President cited the connection between the Trans-Atlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and agriculture, adding that “slaves were mainly transported to the island for farming purposes.” As such, he noted that the aim of establishing the village was to show the transformation of agriculture and the tools that were once used in the sector.
“We want to compare where we are now to where we were coming from and the importance of this transformation in agriculture,” he explained.
Meanwhile, several agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and other private sector entities will be at the event to provide information to persons who are interested in getting involved in the sector. Chief among them are the National Land Agency and the Jamaica Horticultural Society.
The Farmers’ Market, which is normally one of the main features at the show where patrons can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, will also be back this year. “This year what we will actually have is a fresh farmers’ market with fresh produce at competitive prices available each day of the show,” Senator Grant said.
The park and ride system instituted last year through the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is expected to return. This special service was established to allow patrons to park their vehicles at home or at designated locations and board one of the buses to the venue. Buses will be available in Kingston and Portmore.
The annual three-day event will be held this year from August 4 to 6 at the Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon. The JAS is hoping to attract a record 100,000 patrons, up from some 80,000 who attended the show last year. This year’s events will include the crowning of the National Farm Queen; the official opening of the Agricultural Hall of Fame; greenhouse exhibitions; an education forum on agriculture, among other activities.