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| Patron Mr. Augustine Merchant presents award to Social Security representative Mr. Curtis Morton one of the sponsors of previous Open Days |
Charlestown Nevis (March 25, 2004) Under the theme “Open Day at Ten – Fostering Excellence & Sustainability in Agriculture”, the Nevis’ Agriculture Department celebrated ten years of its Open Day Exhibition on Thursday at the Villa in Charlestown.
“Ten Times Bigger, Ten Times Better” was the sub-theme under which a wide range of quality, locally produced food crops, animals, machineries and other related agricultural products were exhibited.
During the brief opening ceremony to officially start the fair, Premier of Nevis, the Hon Vance Amory congratulated the Minister of Agriculture and his staff for the initiative they had taken in bringing some new aspects to this year’s celebration.
He noted that it was a testimony to the positive approach, which the administration had adopted to the development of agriculture and to the faith, which the Ministry of Agriculture had in the farmers over the years. He also noted that despite the challenges (in terms of the prolonged drought) that the department has faced over the last ten years, they had persisted in creating a spectacle which all had enjoyed.
According to the Nevisian Leader, his administration had placed a high premium on the agricultural sector and that the administration had seen it as a continual sector playing an important role in the development of the country.
Junior Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Livingston Herbert, in giving the keynote addressed noted that the exhibition was more than an activity being hosted by the department. He said, “It is undoubtedly the collective achievement of our people and supporting institutions and is certainly worthy of celebration.”
“Our farmers and fishers, agro-processors and vendors, allied agencies such as CARDI, IICA, ROC Technical Mission, local and regional corporate entities, the broader public and private sectors and the general public, all of us who have contributed over the years are now reaping the dividends from our involvement,” said Herbert.
The Junior Minister also paid tribute to this year’s patron, Mr. Frederick Augustine Merchant, IICA representative and former Director of the Agriculture Department. He said that it was fitting for the department to honour him for the contribution he played in formulating the objectives in the open day exhibition.
He told the gathering about the objectives which were, “to foster greater collaboration between the department of agriculture, its clients and allied agencies, to promote appropriate technology necessary for agricultural development, to sensitize the general public towards the need for increase food production and to recognise and publicly acknowledge the invaluable contribution to the development of agriculture of deserving personalities.”
The ceremony also saw a presentation of awards for the Flower Garden Competition, Crop Farmer Competition, Sponsors of Previous Open Days, and Members of Staff who had worked for ten year or more.
The contestants for the first ever Ms Farm Queen contest were presented to the audience as they prepared to vie for the crown on Saturday. Deputy Governor General, His Hon Mr. Eustace John, Speaker of the Island Assembly, Mrs. Marjorie Morton, Ministers of Government, representatives of allied agencies, senior civil servants and tourists attended the ceremony.
The Director of Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Powell chaired the event and Father Ernest Flemming of the St. Pauls Anglican Church gave the invocation.
