The Climax of MAFBA World Food Day Celebrations
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MAFBA) commemorated 2022 World Food Day with activities and events. From Wednesday 12th to 23rd October and commenced with a conference for the Agro-processors. Other activities included a “Plant A Seed” Initiative in three schools, a tour of CARDI Facility, a church service at the Urling’s Moravian Church, followed by food packages donated to three organizations which take care of the needy, physically and mentally challenged persons in our society. Additionally, there were televised interviews of professionals within the Agricultural sector, schools’ visits by the MAFBA staff and the grand finale which was a Livestock Exhibition hosted by the National Livestock Association (NLA) in collaboration with MAFBA.
The Fair took place last Sunday 23rd October in the Botanical Gardens also known to some as the Victoria Park. Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries & Barbuda Affairs, Hon. Samantha Marshall were present at the event. Prime Minister Browne was clearly impressed by the condition of the livestock animals and complimented the owners for the hard work they were doing in the quest of “Food Security”.
The day was an atmosphere of sheer splendor for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors while seeing the animals that were showcased. For all to see there were massive cows, hybrid goats, sheep, humongous pigs, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, chickens and guinea birds. “I am very surprised that notwithstanding the sustaining draughts that we have experienced in the last few years especially the last two years that we still have livestock is still in such good condition. Commendations are to all of the livestock farmers and I want to pledge the continued support of the Cabinet Decision to help our livestock farmers, to help them to grow and expand”, Prime Minster Browne said.
The ruminants and other animals were judged by a panel of judges comprising of past and present employees from the Ministry of Agriculture. The 2022 Livestock results are as follows:-
AWARDS | AWARDEES |
---|---|
Prime Minister Award “Hon Gaston Browne” BEST IN SHOW 2022 | Kevin Elliott |
Cool & Smooth Trophy “Champion 2022” | Kevin Elliott |
Agriculture Minister Award “Best Local Livestock” | Fitzmorgan Greenaway |
MAFBA Permanent Secretary Award “Best Imported Livestock | Telly Cornelius |
BEST CATTLE | |
---|---|
1st Place | Fitzmorgan Greenaway |
2nd Place | Kevin Elliott |
3rd Place | Wentworth Matthew |
BEST PIG | |
---|---|
1st Place | Jason Roberts |
2nd Place | Vaughn Simon |
3rd Place | Kevin Elliott |
BEST GOAT | |
---|---|
1st Place | Telly Cornelius |
2nd Place | Kem Browne |
3rd Place | Byron Lee |
BEST SHEEP | |
---|---|
1st Place | Nickon Marsh |
2nd Place | Kevin Elliott |
3rd Place | Telly Cornelius |
Most Impressive Poultry | Deborah Hattan |
Most Impressive Rabbit | Sherwin Parker |
There were other attractions such as face painting, bounce castle and lucky dip. Also, lots to eat and drink. This was truly a Family Fun Filled day in the best “Green Open space” in St. John’s. This Exhibition in the park would not have been possible without the farmers, participants, the persons who took the time to visit and very special appreciation to the sponsors.
The Platinum sponsors were Caribbean Maritime Services and King Ocean. Other sponsors included:
- Prime Minister Gaston Browne Donna’s Feed
- Honourable Samantha Marshall Lee’s Feed
- Colin O’Keiffe Automotive Arts
- Harney Motors Ltd. First Choice
- Abbott’s Farm Rodney
- Raeburns Generators Kingdom Floral Plus
- Wadadli Events Services Environment Division
- Island Sanitation MAFBA
- Chuka’s Trucking Boer’s Head Farm
- Maulvin’s Trucking National Parks Authority
- Brydens Island Original
- Cool & Smooth Paradiso Water
- TMS Pharmacy Ltd. Signs Plus
- LCD Tools Signs & Impressions
- Jim Air Condition Repair Services