Engaging Workshop Sets the Stage for Agricultural Science Advancements by Shenequa Williams Day 1

On Tuesday 27th the Agricultural Science Department within the Ministry of Education held a two-day exercise with a workshop held on the first day which aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration. They began with an intriguing activity designed to break the ice and set the tone for the day. The participants, divided into three groups, were each handed a ball with the task of ensuring that everyone in the group touched the ball within 15 seconds. The purpose behind this simple yet thought-provoking exercise was to highlight the importance of teamwork, communication, and focus. Interestingly, once the game plan was set, participants no longer needed to speak or maintain eye contact; their unified goal became the driving force, demonstrating the power of a shared vision.
Following this, the workshop delved into a strategic planning exercise titled “Rich Picture,” the groups were tasked with envisioning the future of the Agricultural Science Department at different intervals:
• Group 1- was asked to visualize what the department would look like in the upcoming academic year 2024/25.
• Group 2- focused on the department’s evolution over the next three years.
• Group 3- looked further ahead, considering what the department could become in the next five years.
Each group was given ten minutes to create a visual representation of their ideas and three minutes to present their vision. These presentations sparked discussions that provided valuable insights into the department’s potential growth and future direction.
The first formal presentation of the workshop was delivered by Mrs. Nicolette Francis, Education Officer of the Ministry of Education. Mrs. Francis provided an overview of the academic year 2023/24, reflecting on her tenure since being appointed and outlining the initiatives she has planned for the year ahead. Her insights set the stage for understanding the broader educational context in which the Agricultural Science Department operates. A key segment of the workshop involved a survey examining the impact of leadership on the culture within the Agricultural Science Department. This research provided a foundational understanding of how leadership dynamics influence the department’s effectiveness and growth.
Jamaul Philip, an agriculturalist, took the stage next to present an introduction to Apis mellifera, the species of honeybees found in Antigua. He informed the audience about the two types of bees on the island—the black and yellow variety from Europe and the all-black bee originating from Italy. Philip also discussed the three types of hives used in beekeeping: Top bar hives, Langstroth hives, and Flow hives. Essential beekeeping equipment, such as hive tools, bee suits, veils, smokers, queen cages, and extractors, were highlighted, emphasizing the economic and environmental importance of bees. Mr. Philip noted that bees play a crucial role in pollination, biodiversity, and as indicators of environmental health, with products like beeswax, honey, propolis, pollination services, and apitherapy holding significant economic value.
The workshop also featured a presentation by Mr. Junior Greene, the recently appointed CARDI (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute) Representative for Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat. Mr. Greene, who took on the role in September 2023, provided insights into CARDI’s ongoing projects, including efforts to mitigate the Lethal Yellowing disease affecting coconuts and their support with the Antigua Black Pineapple Rehabilitation Project.
Another significant presentation was delivered by Mr. Ian Horsford, Chief Fisheries Officer, who spoke on “The Business of Fisheries and Aquaculture.” He discussed the challenges facing the fisheries sector, such as habitat loss, biodiversity reduction due to development, the Sargassum phenomenon, and the loss of traditional fish landing sites. Despite these challenges, Mr. Horsford shared a positive trend: a 262% increase in license renewals following the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a resilient and recovering industry.
Mrs. Solange Baptiste, Manager of Information Services at the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards. Mrs. Baptiste introduced the concept of Codex Alimentarius, which translates to “The Food Code” in Latin, and provided an overview of the Quality Cycle. She outlined the steps involved in the cycle—Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA)—which are essential for maintaining high standards in food safety and quality.
The final presentation of the day was done by Ms Teleri Swift and Ms Tikisha Hampson, both were members of a group of eight educators that recently travelled to China and participated in a course pertaining to Aquaculture: Development and Management for Antigua and Barbuda.
Overall, the workshop was a comprehensive and engaging event, offering participants a blend of practical activities, strategic planning, and expert presentations. The insights and discussions generated during the workshop are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of the Agricultural Science Department, ensuring it remains a dynamic and forward-thinking entity.
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