Twenty-three-year-old and newly-elected St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association [S.K.N.Y.P.A.] Public Relations Officer, Otis Jeffers has once again claimed the title of ‘Best Farm under 1 Acre’ and ‘Best Young Farmer’ in commemoration of World Food Day 2009. Mr. Jeffers is a hardworking young farmer who single handedly manages two farm plots in the vicinity of Green Hill, Cayon.
SKNYPA wishes to congratulate Otis Jeffers for his outstanding performance throughout the year and his contribution towards food security in St. Kitts and Nevis. He was first awarded 2nd place in ‘Best Farm under 1 Acre’ in 2007 and in 2008, Mr. Jeffers’ hard work paid off when he accomplished 1st place for the said category and was awarded the ‘Youngest Competing Farmer’. His determination, strength and stability has helped him achieve excellence and it is obvious that he has done well in maintaining the standard as this year, 2009, Mr. Jeffers has recaptured 1st in ‘Best Farm under 1 Acre’ and was once again awarded ‘Best Young Farmer’.
Otis expresses his extreme happiness as a young man, in realizing that even though he goes through hardships and mostly works alone that there is success ahead of him. He also stated that he felt like a leader, a guiding light to the youths in the community. He is of the view that farming can help to eradicate gangs among our youths and around the country.
Even as a young farmer Mr. Jeffers is concerned about gangs among our youths. He encourages our youths in gangs to become entrepreneurs instead and to set goals for their future which would enable them to enjoy a long life and happiness. He also reminds our youth that farming is an honest and reliable source of income.
Surprisingly though, Otis is currently in a predicament. “As my strength has grown from childhood maturing to adulthood, I have gained experience and understanding, and my responsibility has extended, however, I require more land for farming. One acre makes it impossible for me to plant a variety of foods and I am also not able to rotate my crops,” said Mr. Jeffers.
Otis was full of thanks for all the persons who have helped and encouraged him. He said that he thanks the Lord for the strength that he receives from day to day, the glorious sunshine and the rain that let us know that there is hope. He continued saying, “I thank my parents and my every one of my friends for their encouragement and continued support. I humbly thank the Agriculture Department for their wise advice in the caring of my crops and their honesty when judging my farm, I thank all those who help me on my farm and last but not least I thank all the shops and supermarkets that buy my food and encourage me to plant a variety of crops, these include but are not limited to: Judith’s Shop and Save, Best Buy Supermarket, Cayon Parris Shopping Centre, Kings Pavilion, Rams Supermarket, Horsfords Valu Mart and other supermarkets around the island. A sincere thanks to all.”
In addition to the promotion of agriculture, S.K.N.Y.P.A also promotes voluntary work as an active role in our community. Sixteen-year-old Patrice Harris, a former general secretary of S.K.N.Y.P.A. was recently named Young Humanitarian of the summer by LIME. Patrice responded to Lime's summer promotion where participants were asked to briefly write on how they volunteered this summer. Ms. Harris received a LG phone valued US$100 and a goody bag. Congratulations are extended to Ms. Harris and Mr. Jeffers on a job well done! The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-partisan youth organization launched on September 13th 2001 under the motto “Equality and Justice in Nation Building” which continues to support hard working youth.
