Twenty Jamaicans, who have given outstanding service to the agricultural sector in various areas, have been recognised for their contribution.

During a ceremony on Saturday (January 14) at the Medallion Hall Hotel in Kingston, the men and women were presented with the Agricultural Legacy Award by The Agriculturalist newspaper for their work as farmers, producers, exporters, scientists and researchers, educators, administrators, among others.

Under the patronage of Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, and in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the ceremony was part of activities to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., in his keynote address, commended the recipients, who have served the sector for at least 35 years, for their “lifelong commitment, passion and selfless acts.”

He noted that others within the sector have benefitted from their intellect, intelligence, knowledge, and experience.

The Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that “we highlight the persons who, whether loudly or quietly, are making the difference, particularly the men and women who have committed such a significant portion of their life (to agriculture).”

Outlining the consecutive growth in agriculture over the last six quarters and the investments that have been made in equipment, land leases for youth and farm road rehabilitation, Mr. Charles Jr. assured the recipients that “we are taking the steps to protect the sector that you have built.”

In his address, Publisher and Editor of The Agriculturalist, Patrick Maitland, said that the awardees demonstrate the essential qualities of innovation, leadership, and stewardship.

“These people are among several hundred thousand Jamaicans, who have been giving diligent and outstanding services to the agriculture and agribusiness sectors for years,” Mr. Maitland noted.

The awardees are Fresh Produce Exporter, Rita Hilton; Cattle Nutritionist and Livestock Researcher, Dr. Paul Jennings; Agriculturalist and Industrial Scientist, Cyril Bridge; Animal Breeders and Geneticists, Dr. Karl Wellington, and Jasmin Holness; Sugar Cane Farmer, Ruel Barnett; Agribusiness Consultant, Robert Reid; Agricultural Educator, Reuben Gray; and Veterinary Surgeon, Dr. Keith Amiel.

Completing the list are Consultant Agriculturalist, Webster McPherson; Agricultural Administrator, Paulette Lyons; Agronomist, Thomas Burton; Coffee Taster, Norman Grant; Coconut Farmer, Michael Swaby; Agronomist, Hopeton Fraser; Administrator and Farmer, Derrick Heaven; and Farmers, Olive Johnson, Noel Clarke, Roger Turner and Shavick Lattibeaudiere.

Speaking with JIS News, several of the awardees, said they were proud to be recognised.

“I am elated; I have been coconut farming from I was 17 years old. To be honoured and to be recognised in this way is a tremendous feeling,” said Michael Swaby, who in 2022, was named the World’s Best Innovative Coconut Farmer, at a conference in Malaysia.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Shavick Lattibeaudiere who joked, “I am happy that I am being recognised before I get too old.”

Sponsors of the Agricultural Legacy Awards include H&L Agro, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS).