The Agricultural Extension Division within the Ministry of Agriculture held its Annual Farmers` Appreciation ceremony earlier today (Tues), to acknowledge and show appreciation to the farmers who have been in the field of agriculture for a number of years, contributing to food security and agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda.
At the event, Extension Officer, Mr. Owolabi Elabanjo lauded the hard work of the famers over the years and encouraged them to keep going.
“We love you, we know your hard work, we know what you’re doing for food security and nutrition for Antigua,” stated Mr. Elabanjo.
Acting Director of Agriculture, Mr. Gregory Bailey, praised the extension division for the good job they have been doing over the years, as they have remained the interface between the Ministry of Agriculture, specifically with commercializing and modernizing the agriculture sector.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, Mr. Colin O’Keiffe commended the diamond awardee Ms. Grace- Ann Agatha Apleton-Samuel for the work which she has done in the field of farming over the years, as well as the other awardees for contributing to food security in Antigua and Barbuda.
“I commend you and the other awardees for your hard work, your dedicated service, your effort in providing food on the table of several Antiguan and Barbudan families,” stated Mr. O’Keiffe.
The 87-year-old diamond awardee began her farming career at the tender age of 14 years old.
Mr. O’Keiffe also praised the Long Ping High Tech Company in China for working with the Ministry of Agriculture in boosting the skills of local farmers.
“Better techniques, more efficient and effective farming in Antigua and Barbuda and it means then, this justifies the whole collaborative arrangement between Antigua and Barbuda and China to boost the agriculture sector,” stated Mr. O’Keiffe.
Local entrepreneur, Mrs. Cordella Murraine, who operates a family-owned Farm, Superette and Cook Shop in the village of Bethesda, in her brief address, expressed her gratitude and support to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Division for working along with famers and officially recognizing them for a job well done.
All the other farmers whose careers span from livestock, crop and aquaponics, received plaques in recognition of their long-standing contributions in the farming sector.
The awardees included farmers from the agricultural districts of South West, South East and North West.
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This is the way we treat our seniors that contributed significantly to nation building?
The minister did not even bother to show up or send a representative.
Under a shabby tent in a parking lot at the back of a condemned building nasty looking structure.
They were literally sitting in water.
The organizers are shameless and disrespectful. No Sandals, or Royalton for up to 80 years of farming?
No hotel could sponsor this event? Shame shame shame….
It was definitely a peasant occasion. Rice and chicken for the 50 years of hard work?
One farmer was given a shovel as a gift? No new technology as a step up a bloody shovel?
The African man was so ashamed of the place look he took ABS to the front of the building to conduct the interview. He pointed to the building and said this is not looking good.
The elders had to navigate a green slimy pond immediately in front the door to claim their rice and chicken
Menace XL was great and the lady that hosted.
After 50 years of contribution some of the farmers were elegantly dressed with the ladies in their beautiful hats, one lady was in a beautiful African print attire… The farmers were dressed up for the occasion.
The African man and staff wearing their green t-shirt. How distaceful and disrespectful. They did not even bother to clean up for the occasion.
This was horrific and the elder farmers need an apology for these wicked inconciderate organizers.
No air conditioning no soft comfortable seating just them fold up metal chairs.
Cars were parked all around the literally 10×10 dirty white tent with the metal chairs in water.
Look how the woman in red dress up, watch the water on the ground.
Shame pan all a dem.
From Mamora Bay to St James Club, Royal Antigua to Ramada, Anchorage to Sandals, Jolly Beach to Club Antigua, These groundation farmers deserved better over 50 years of service.
Celebrated under a filthy dingy 10×10 rackling tent. Rusty fold up metal chairs in puddles of water under the tent.
No Antiguan grown vegetable spread with some fish for the elders. Rice and chicken in a take out container.
North East West South (news) these farmers are our true heroes, toiled hard, produced the food and should never be forgotten.
Ok I am done now……..
Go down by the back of the peasant place and see the green slimy water the heros had to navigate.
The Minister could have given each awardee a cheque for Christmas. CIP use for all kind a things come in man make the elders feel good nah.
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