MoE Cockodoodle Competition by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Ministry of Education hosted the very first Inter-school Broiler Competition simultaneously with the annual Inter-school Garden Competition.  This competition was held between all the government secondary schools, and the Buckleys Primary was the only lower-level school to vie against the upper-level learning institutions.

All were given the chicks and had to care for them over a five-week period, they were weighed after the first two weeks and then yesterday at the Agro Expo held in the Botanical Gardens prior the Award ceremony for both competitions.

The excitement was in the air as everyone gathered around to see and hear the weight of these birds.  The average weights ranged from four to over six pounds and a presentation was made to the champion school by Ms Tyra Jean-Baptiste, a representative from Pinnacle Feeds based in Barbados.

Pinnacle Feeds is one of the main livestock feeds providers in the region and has been a partner of the Agro Expo since 2025 and continue to do so.  At yesterday’s ceremony presented was a voucher for ten bags of broiler feeder to the school with the heaviest bird.

The heaviest birds were from Irene B Williams 3^rd place weighing 5.9 pounds, Ottos Comprehensive School gained 2^nd place with 6 pounds and the winner, the Antigua Girls High School with 6.3 pounds.

The Ministry of Agriculture commends Mrs. Nicolette Francis for her insight and stewardship as we prevail in the quest for FOOD SECURITY and SOVEREIGNTY. While recognizing that the youths are our future and the custodians for the continuation of humanity, building now a strong legacy is paramount.