Over $1Billion in Economic Benefits from Denbigh 2014 – Senator Norman Grant

Chairman of the Denbigh Planning Committee, Senator Norman Grant, is predicting over $1 billion in economic benefits from Denbigh 2014.

The 62nd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show will take place from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3 under the theme: ‘Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow’, with the sub-theme: ‘Agriculture…Going for Growth.’

Addressing a JIS Think Tank on Monday, July 28, Senator Grant, who is also President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), said approximately $75 million will be spent to stage the three-day event, which is the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.  It is money that the Senator believes will be well spent.

“Notwithstanding the drought, there will be adequate supplies of produce from right across the island to have a major show.  This year, we have the greenhouse competition; so we are looking to the greenhouse and the irrigated farming areas,” he said.

Patrons will be given the opportunity to experience the Denbigh Hubs formerly called villages. These will include the Tourism Linkage Hub, which will highlight and promote the collaboration between the agriculture and tourism sectors. There will also be a Health and Wellness Hub, with over eight participating entities offering medical services free of cost.

An important feature of Denbigh 2014 will be a salute to the late former Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, who died on July 11. A condolence book will be opened to allow patrons to sign and pay their respects to Sir Howard, who was a regular show attendee.

Senator Grant also informed that there will be a strong international contingent at the show this year. Over 50 delegates from the United States of America, Canada, and the Caribbean, are expected to participate in the Denbigh Symposium, among other activities.

The inaugural Denbigh Float and Torch will take place on Thursday, July 31, starting in Half -Way- Tree and travelling through Portmore, Spanish Town, and Mandeville, culminating at the Denbigh Showground.

The main objectives of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show are: to promote the agricultural sector; display the best foods produced in Jamaica; and highlight the importance of agriculture to food security, business development and nation building.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is expected to attend the August 1 opening; Acting Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Derrick Kellier will be in attendance on August 2; and Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller is scheduled to attend on August 3.

Gates will open daily at 8:00 a.m. each day and admission is $800 for adults and $300 for children.

By Judith A. Hunter

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *