Panel Discussion Brings Together Agricultural Science Students, Experts and Professionals by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
A panel discussion at the Multipurpose Center on Tuesday 14th January 2025, brought together Agricultural Science students, Agriculture industry experts, and seasoned professionals for a productive exchange of information, ideas and strategies. This event aimed to inspire and educate the next generation of Agricultural professionals and producers.
The Panel featured notable stakeholders in the industry:
- Craig Joseph/District Officer, Ministry of Agriculture
- Jamaul Philip/Apiculturist
- Neil Gomes/Crop Farmer
- Jabari Reynolds/Environmental Information Systems Consultant
- Ian Hosford/Chief Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Agriculture
- Craig Thomas/IICA Representative
- Ika Fergus/Chief Extension Officer (acting)
- Junior Greene, CARDI Representative
- Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Head-Communications, Ministry of Agriculture
- Board of Education Scholarships Coordinators
- Oriel Walter, Graphic Designer
The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between professionals and aspiring agriculturalist to ensure sustainable development, resilience and innovation in the sector. The engagement between panelists and the students highlighted pertinent information regarding the different professions within the sector, practical solutions, shared experiences, and inspired new ideas, with one student remarking, “I did not know there were so many different areas to enter agriculture.”
Some questions asked during the students’ interactions with the panelists were:
- What do you love about your job?
- What’s the best career decision you’ve ever made?
- What’s the worst career decision you’ve ever made?
- What would you be doing if you were me now?
- How do you organize your time?
The event reinforced the critical role of knowledge sharing and mentorship in building a resilient and bountiful agricultural future in Antigua and Barbuda.
