Caribbean News
JAMAICA: JAS Stages Successful ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Expo
#Kingston, November 29, 2022 – Jamaicans were out in their numbers to attend the ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Expo on the lawns of Devon House in Kingston, on Friday (November 25).
The annual event, which was staged by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) under the theme: ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart: Let’s Eat Jamaican’, formed part of Eat Jamaican Month activities.
Several agencies and entities mounted booths and displays. They included the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Bodles Research
Station, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Jamaica Dairy Development Board, National Irrigation Commission (NIC), Clarendon Blends, JP St. Mary’s, and Singer Jamaica Limited.
Some exhibitors provided samples of various Jamaican foods to the scores of patrons.
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., in the keynote address, highlighted that the occasion “is an opportunity for all of us in Jamaica to get the taste of Jamaica, but also to remember why we are here.”
“It is about ensuring that we are supporting our farmers and our fishers, and that we are giving them an opportunity to showcase their brilliance, their excellence, and all that they do for us every single day,” he said.
The Minister reminded participants that the agriculture sector has recorded six consecutive quarters of growth, pointing out that all major crops reflected an increase for the current quarter.
Notable among these, Mr. Charles said, were plantains, up 21.9 per cent; fruits, up 20.8 per cent; yams, up 19.1 per cent; vegetables, up 18.5 per cent; and condiments, up 16.9 per cent.
Against this background, he thanked farmers and fishers for their gallant efforts and acknowledged the hard work of the JAS, which has been spearheading the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign for 19 years.
The day’s other activities included the final of the inaugural ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ cooking competition, organised by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). Finalist, Sasha-Kay Gooden Petrie’s coconut callaloo steamed tilapia and bammy bites emerged the winning dish.
Another feature of the event was an ‘Out of Many One’ celebrity cook-off, which saw popular personalities, D’Angel, Kush, Rameish DeSouza and Razor B going head-to-head.
Kush, who impressed the judges, copped first place with his combination of coconut jelly pasta, spicy sweet potato wedges, west African peanut stew, green banana salad and Taino banana tart with cassava crust.
In an Instagram post following his win, the chef remarked that his goal was “to demonstrate that a full gourmet meal
can be made from scratch using 100 per cent pure local ingredients; no imported flour, sweeteners, canned food, processed seasoning, or imported oil.”
Kush said his preparation was also intended to “celebrate and pay homage to the groups that have influenced Jamaican cuisine the most – the Africans and Tainos.”
Meanwhile, several patrons told JIS News that they were impressed with the day’s proceedings.
Fifth form Food and Nutrition student at Mona High School, Daniella Blake, said she and her classmates visited all the booths, resulting in them learning “a lot about agriculture and the different occupations in the sector.”
“I sampled a lot of different foods. My favourite was the tilapia fish; it was delicious. It wasn’t spicy, but you could taste the spices inside it,” she said.
Kaylah Harris from Florida, USA, said the event increased her knowledge of Jamaican foods.
“I’ve been watching, trying to learn about Jamaica’s agriculture. I love it. It’s very diverse, very green and very tied to our earth,” she said.
Contact: Mickella Anderson
Release: JIS
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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