RADA St. Thomas Hosts 22nd Parish Agricultural Show
By: , June 25, 2023
Photo: Contributed
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter (left), receives a piece of watermelon from a farmer in St. Thomas while Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Parish Agricultural Manager, Bevene Martin-Dickenson (second left) looks on. Occasion was the 22nd staging of the parish agricultural show at Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay on Friday (June 23). The event was organised by RADA)’s St. Thomas parish office.
Photo: Contributed
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, delivers the keynote address during the St. Thomas agricultural show on Friday (June 23). The event, which is staged by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), was held at Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay.
Photo: Contributed
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter (left), greets Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, Dr. Michelle Charles, during the parish’s agricultural show on Friday (June 23) at Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay. The event was staged by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) St. Thomas parish office.
Photo: Contributed
Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Hubert Williams, commends farmers in St. Thomas for their outstanding efforts while speaking during the parish’s agricultural show on Friday (June 23). The event was held at Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay.The Full Story
The Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, came alive on Friday (June 23) as scores of persons turned out for the 22nd annual parish agricultural show.
The free event was staged by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) St. Thomas parish office in association with H&L Agro under the theme, ‘Advancing Agriculture through Resilient Farmers: Grow Smart, Eat Smart’.
There was a farmers’ market, interesting displays and exhibitions, exciting competitions, games, music, and ample giveaways to keep patrons enthused.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, who toured the numerous booths and displays, said that over the years, “RADA St. Thomas has been one of the pioneers who have kept the momentum to promote sustainable agriculture in the parish.”
“From the genesis of showcasing its services and programmes at the RADA parish office through open days, this event has now evolved into a full-fledged agricultural show. It is commendable to witness that this show is now highlighting the achievements of our farmers and providing the opportunity for knowledge transfer and direct stakeholder interactions at this event,” Mr. Witter said.
For her part, RADA St. Thomas Parish Agricultural Manager, Bevene Martin-Dickenson, said stakeholder interest throughout the years has been overwhelming and has contributed to the event outgrowing its former home to now being held at the largest and most popular public park in Morant Bay.
Also highlighted at the show were climate smart agriculture initiatives, precision farming, land management, water irrigation and management, social services, home economics, marketing, and animal husbandry, among other activities.
Special guests included Custos Rotulorum for St. Thomas, Hon. Marcia Bennett; Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Hubert Williams; and Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, Dr. Michelle Charles, who delivered remarks hailing the farmers for the hard work they continue to do.