Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has suggested that the theme of Denbigh 68, ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’, be channeled into a rallying cry in the nation’s quest to promote food security and build the economy. The Governor-General was giving the main address at the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show on Sunday 31st July, which is traditionally known as ‘Governor-General’s Day’.
He said that as a Small Island Developing State, Jamaica should seriously consider water and food security and the implications of climate change. One way to do this was to highlight research and innovation in agricultural practices so that individuals could become more aware of the value of the agricultural sector and the roles everyone could play in safeguarding the country’s future.
Sir Patrick commended the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jamaica Agricultural Society for their relentless effort in the promotion of backyard gardening, food storage and preservation methods.
Sir Patrick and Lady Allen were taken on a guided tour of the exhibits by Past-President of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Mr. Glendon Harris. They observed the prized cattle on display and the livestock competition. Other exhibits of interest were the utilization of organic Jamaican foods in agro-processing as well as the use of technology and renewable energy as methods to enhance productivity and increase crop yield.
Sir Patrick also took the opportunity to congratulate the 2022 Farm Queen Miss Sutania Ellington, who hails from Manchester. Earlier last week, he received all 14 contestants in the Farm Queen Competition and wished them well ahead of the final coronation that took place on Saturday, 30th July.
The Governor-General is the Patron of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, the organizers of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show. The show, commonly known as the Denbigh Show was last held in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their Excellencies were welcomed to Denbigh by the Honourable William Shagoury, Custos Rotulorum for the Parish of Clarendon.