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JAMAICA: Prime Minister calls on farmers to incorporate science and technology

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#Kingston, August 8, 2019 – Jamaica – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is imploring the nation’s farmers to incorporate science and technology into their farming practices, in order to continue to increase the country’s agricultural output.  He suggests that the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) could use its influence with farmers to ensure the adoption of more innovative methods of farming.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the 67th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show at the Denbigh Showground, in May Pen, Clarendon, on Tuesday (August 5).

“It is important that the JAS becomes an advocate for the use of drip irrigation technology, for the use of mulching, to develop more creative ways of storing and capturing rain water, and for the preservation of our environment,” he said.

Further emphasising the importance of protecting the environment, Mr. Holness called on farmers to desist from using “longstanding agricultural practices,” such as the slash and burn technique, particularly in watershed areas. This practice, he said, has resulted in these areas being denuded, due to persons cutting down (and burning) trees for coal.

“I am the last man to ‘fight against’ any man who is seeking to earn a (living)…but it can’t be that if we are going to do some agriculture, we have to burn down everything,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr. Holness praised the organisers and show participants, noting that the stalls he saw during his tour of the grounds were “beautiful (and) the livestock was impressive,” adding that “agriculture is strong and robust in Jamaica. We see great opportunities, and great possibilities”.

The Prime Minister had toured the grounds with President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta and his delegation, who are in the island for a three-day State visit.  In his remarks, President Kenyatta, who is also a dairy farmer, said he was pleased to have participated in a “premiere agricultural show, not only in Jamaica, but also in the Caribbean”.

“The quality of agricultural produce and livestock that we have seen is quite outstanding,” he said.

Commending the Government and the people of Jamaica for the progress made in agriculture, President Kenyatta noted that one of the things that interested him most “is your journey of innovation that has resulted in developing a livestock breed that is adaptive to the climate and to the pasture conditions of Jamaica,” and suggested partnership in this area.

“We would be more than keen to partner to see how we can take some of your breeds and probably how you can look at some of our breeds in order to develop livestock that is properly attuned to our respective climates,” he said.

The President added that more needs to be done to increase exchanges between Kenyan farmers and Jamaican farmers, “so that we can learn best practices from each other”.  He and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta will also attend the Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium later this evening.

The President and his wife are special guests for the celebration of the 57th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. They will depart the island on Wednesday (August 7).

Contact: Alecia Smith

Release: JIS

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UK issues warning to tourists following shark attack

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

In response to the Shark attack in Tobago on April 26, the UK Foreign Office issued a warning for British tourists stating that Tobago authorities temporarily closed the Buccoo Reef Marine Park and urged those who visit the beach, those who fish and others, to be careful when visiting certain coastal areas. These are “Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt. Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay, and all areas in between.”

 

 

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JAMAICAN STUDENTS GAIN SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN CUBA

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KINGSTON, April 25 (JIS):

Fifteen young Jamaicans have gained scholarships to pursue tertiary training in medicine, nursing and civil engineering in the Republic of Cuba, under the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Scholarship Programme.

Speaking at the awards ceremony for the students, held at the Embassy of Cuba in St. Andrew on April 24, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said the scholarship component of the partnership is one of the many successes for Jamaicans.

“Through this valuable programme, the Government of Cuba has consistently invested in the educational development of Jamaican students, through the provision of well-needed and appreciated undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, primarily in Medicine and Health Sciences,” Mr. Terrelonge said.

He highlighted that the long-standing, meaningful and mutually beneficial bond of friendship and cooperation has been shared between Jamaica and Cuba for more than 50 years and has provided invaluable support to Jamaica, with several agreements in the areas of Health, Science, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Education.

The Minister of State said that Jamaica is grateful for the unwavering support towards Jamaica’s development, adding that “not only are we close geographical partners but our relationship is based on, among other things, mutual respect and strong people-to-people connections”.

Mr. Terrelonge told the students that they have succeeded in securing their places in the various programmes and have proven themselves to be the “crème de la crème, having successfully undergone a rigorous selection process”.

“I commend you for your drive, hard work and dedication towards your educational development,” he said.

“As you prepare to depart Jamaica for diverse and vibrant Cuba, I encourage you all to continue to work diligently in your respective fields of study, to remain faithful to the goals you have set for yourselves, and to fly, even higher, the Jamaican flag in Cuba. It is my hope that you will not only meet but exceed your and your families’ expectations,” the State Minister added.

He also encouraged the students to view the scholarship not only as an opportunity to advance academically but to also “immerse yourselves in the rich culture of the Cuban people” and to form new connections, build networks, explore new adventures, improve their Spanish-speaking skills, and to stay connected with the Jamaica Embassy in Havana.

Under the full scholarship, tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials and medical care are covered by Cuba.

The programme is administered by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in conjunction with the Scholarship Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and other entities. Every year, the Cuban Government invites applications from persons wishing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

 

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

 

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GROUND BROKEN FOR HIGH SCHOOL AT CHRISTEL HOUSE

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KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):

Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.

“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.

She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.

Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.

She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.

“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.

“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.

Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.

“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.

The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.

Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.

In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.

 

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

 

 

 

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