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| 16th Annual Agricultural
Open Day Held in Nevis |
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Cassava
byproducts
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The 16th Annual Agricultural
Open Day kicked off its activities on Thursday, March
25 in Charlestown, Nevis, under the patronage of Miss.
Almena Cornelius -- better known as 'Miss George.'
The Open Day events were held at the Charlestown Secondary
School Villa under a theme of "Promoting Food Security
Amidst Financial Challenges." Senior citizens in
attendance wore special yellow shirts, and were acknowledged
during the event.
According to Mr. Eric Evelyn, Communications Supervisor
for the Department of Agriculture, the event was 'coming
of age,' referring to the traditional sweet sixteen
celebration. He reminded everyone of their mission statement,
"to establish a professional business climate for
the high quality provision of services to farmers and
the general public towards sustainable agricultural
development."
Mr. Evelyn noted that with the aid of their allied agencies,
FAO, IICA, CARDI and the Taiwanese Mission, the event's
areas of focus were agro-processing, irrigation, protected
agriculture systems and small ruminant production.
Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Dr.
Kelvin Daly, commented on the progress of agriculture
on Nevis.
"To the farmers and homeowners on Nevis, who have
been victimized and damaged by monkeys, salvation is
near," he said. "In eighteen months of control,
we have removed approximately 1,700 monkeys from throughout
the island. We are deploying colony traps as fast as
we can build them in areas of high infestation.
"Our farming population is increasing at a record
pace. To keep up with the request for land, we at the
Ministry are pressing on with our plans to make available
40 acres in the low ground area. … Another 20 acres
will be cleared at the lower Morgans Estate. Indian
Castle is beautiful for cotton and pineapple production."
Director of Agriculture, Mr. Keithley Amory, made his
remarks on how Open Day has evolved.
"We have created one of the most, if not the most
highly organized and anticipated events on the island
of Nevis," he said. "Even though the Open
Day has matured since its inception, it has never stopped
growing. It is not often that you find something growing
after it has matured. We pride ourselves however, in
delivering an unrivalled event, one which reaches out
and touches every Nevisian resident."
He also commented on this year's theme.
"We are all aware of the financial woes facing
us and the entire region and world. However, we do believe
that farmers, agro processors, fishers and all stakeholders
in the agricultural industry can with limited financial
resources produce, and produce both quality and quantity.
We believe that Agriculture has the potential to enhance
the economic stability of Nevis especially as we continue
to feel the effects of the global economic meltdown."
Several awards were presented during the opening ceremony.
Under the Agriculturists heading were six award titles,
listed with the winners: Farmer for 2009, Marcel Hanley;
Most throughputs at Marketing 2009, Donald Daniel; Livestock
farmer for 2009, Danford Martin; Most throughputs at
Abattoir 2009, Oretius Jones; Fisher for 2009, Andrew
Claxton; and Most fish through Fisheries Complex, Collin
Huggins.
There was a water tasting competition held by the Nevis
Water Department, for which no results were gathered.
Water from all over the island was tasted.
On Friday, March 26, the fun continued with a Bartenders
Competition held by the Department of Agriculture. The
four participants were: Maribel Nisbett of Galipot Restaurant;
Curlette Allen of KC's Snackette; Damien Wilkes of Villa
Paradiso and Steve Hobson of Oualie Beach Hotel.
All four competitors made drinks for three rounds; non-alcoholic,
alcoholic and a mystery basket.
The results were as follows:
Best non-alcoholic drink - Damien Wilkes
Best alcoholic drink - Steve Hobson
Best mystery basket - Steve Hobson
Best presentation - Curlette Allen
Best female bartender - Maribel Nisbett
Overall winner - Steve Hobson
Prizes for the winners were packages from LIME and lunch/dinner
for two.
Throughout the two-day Open Day event, attendees enjoyed
food preparations, cultural presentations, such as masquerades,
and musical entertainment.
Many local dishes were on sale, including saltfish,
Johnny cake, conch water, dumplings, soursop, guava
and beet drinks.
A number of booths gave away leaflets promoting information
on topics like disease prevention, fishing, and creative
usage of root crops.
An arrangement of the three books authored by a Nevisian
born in Rawlins Village, Mr. James W. Sutton, were on
display under the Crafts booth. The books were titled,
"Our Love Prevailed," "A Testimony of
Triumph," and "Images and Insights of a Sugar
Era."
Persons staffing the Nevis Supply Office booth encouraged
bystanders to do group shopping with their friends and
neighbours, therefore easing some of the financial strain
on individuals.
Hugh Matthew, owner of Creative Upholstery, displayed
attractive materials obtained from Miami and Trinidad.
His shope sells upholstery for auto, furniture and marine
purposes.
Animals like sheep, goats and peacocks were caged for
the public's viewing pleasure.
Event sponsors included Carib Breweries, TDC and Social
Security. |
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