Nevis Dept. of Agriculture honours major contributors to agriculture

CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (MARCH 30, 2009) -- Thirty years of sterling contribution to the development of agriculture on Nevis, earned former Director of Agriculture Mr. Samuel Powel the title of Patron of the 2009 Agriculture Open Day. 

The annual two-day event which concluded on Friday March 27, at the Villa in Charlestown, was one avenue utilized by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to publicly recognise persons in the development of Nevis through agriculture. 

Described as the flagship event of the Department of Agriculture, this year’s fair was held under the theme “Promoting Economic Stability through Greater Agriculture and Marine Efficiency”.

A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mr. Powell holds a Master of Philosophy Degree in Agricultural Extension and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Very early in his career he obtained a Diploma in Agriculture at the Guyana School of Agriculture and later participated in several seminars, workshops and conferences which expanded his knowledge and expertise in the field of agriculture.

Mr. Powell who retired in January 2009 served as Director of Cooperatives in the Nevis Island Administration from September 2006 till his retirement having spent 38 years in the civil service. 

Prior to his retirement, he spent 32 years in the field of agriculture in varying positions but served as Director of Agriculture for six years, Chief Extension Officer for 12 years and as a technician at the Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute (CARDI) for four years. He also taught Agricultural science at both secondary schools for a total of 10 years.

“His tenure in the field of agriculture has been rewarding and enriching. This longstanding career has earned him much respect in this field and he has always been quite eager to share information and to learn from others,” Communications Officer Mr. Eric Evelyn said in a profile of Mr. Powell.

Nonetheless, Mr. Powell was not the only one honoured for his contribution to Agriculture by the Department of Agriculture.  

Mr. Godwin Browne was named Most Improved Farmer for 2009 while Mr. Donald Brown was recognised for having the most thoroughputs at Marketing 2009. Mr. Winston Henry was named Livestock Farmer for 2009 while Mr. Reuben Morris was recognised for the most thoroughputs at the Abattoir for 2009. Mr. Collin Huggins was named Fisher for 2009 and Mr. Juan Nisbett was named for having the most fish through the Fisheries Complex.

A number of other awards were distributed among staff for their service in the area of animal health; in the Abattoir and Livestock Divisions; Small Farm Equipment Pool; Marketing and Extension Divisions and to clerical staff in the Department of Agriculture.

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