GARD Centre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings and welcome to GARD Center’s virtual oasis.  We are very delighted to invite you to be a part of the Center’s mission and vision in vocational training .  Our page is filled with technical, vocational, agricultural, capacity building and entrepreneurial training which is available to you.
GARD Center is pleased to encourage you to follow our social media pages for news, updates, events and activities to empower, motivate and develop our Youth, men and women all across the nation of Antigua and Barbuda and in the global community.
June Jackson – Director

 

 

 

Background on the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center)

 

The GARD Center is a grassroots non-Governmental organization. The Center evolved from a two-year pilot project in 1989 which sought to improve the welfare and secure sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. The Center provided training, services, and support to local farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

 

In order to reach further vulnerable youth and to satisfy the demand from the involved communities the GARD Center entered the area of full-time vocational training. Training coupled with job placement services has provided an alternative avenue to securing sustainable livelihoods for the local population. The youth training / job placement program equip youth not just with technical/vocational skills but also with job readiness and life skills, ICT literacy skills and remedial education. This holistic approach has made profound differences in morale, motivation, and self-esteem of most vulnerable youth. All training is supplemented by “hands on experience” in a form of internship and followed up by job placement services reaching unparalleled accomplishments of 30-50%.

 

Over the years, the Center’s services expanded to support non-agricultural small and start-up businesses by providing mentoring, entrepreneurial training, technical advisory, and business development services, as well as access to microfinance. This program enables GARD Center to help to launch businesses as well as careers.

 

Throughout the 34 years the Center has received several awards: the Tim Hector Memorial Award for its work in agriculture, an award from the Inter -American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) for its support and training programs for agro-processors, and an award from the Ministry of Education for its numerous programs for youth and youth at-risk.

 

The Center relies on donor partners to carry out its mandate of providing training programs which develop youth, men and women who are empowered to improve their standard of living through entrepreneurship or becoming better employees.

 

Legal status

GARD Center has been in existence over 34 years. The organization has been formally incorporated and registered in the Registry of Companies in Antigua and Barbuda 2003 as a non-profit organization, a number 4668. As a registered non-profit company it conducts its proceedings in compliance with the requirements of the Companies Act of Antigua and Barbuda. Statutes define that the organization is run by the Board of Directors (minimum of 3 directors and maximum of 10) and an appointed Executive Director.

GARD Center will continue its work in the Agricultural, Entrepreneurial, and other vocational training to develop the skills of people of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

-END-

 

 

The Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Centre (GARD) hosts a community workshop for farmers, stakeholders and resource persons 0n Wednesday 6th March  2024.

 

Background to Workshop:

The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is implementing a project entitled “Multi-Actor Partnership for pro-poor & gender-equitable climate risk financing in the context of the IGP’s 2025 vision”. Under this initiative, the CPDC will be hosting a two-day workshop in Barbados from 4th – 5th November for 20 key stakeholders (Government, Academia, NGOs, Private Sector, and Individuals).  The purpose of the workshop is to enhance the knowledge of key stakeholders on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) in Barbados. This workshop will provide 20 NGOs with the knowledge to utilize climate financing to boost climate resilience effectively.

 Workshop Aims & Objectives

  1. To enhance the knowledge of key stakeholders on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance in Antigua and Barbuda.
  2. To provide a forum for discussion around CDRFI in Antigua and Barbuda.
  3. To improve the understanding on the benefits of CDRFI in boosting climate resilience as we attempt to mitigate against and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the concept and principles of climate finance in the NGO sector.
  2. Identify the relevant steps for accessing climate finance.
  3. Understanding the varying climate finance options available to Antigua and Barbuda.
  4. Understanding the emerging Parametric Insurance solutions and how to design for the Community

 

Workshop Methodology:

  • The Community workshop is intended to be practical and interactive. Participants are encouraged to walk with their laptops and other electronic devices such as tablets as these will be used throughout the workshop.
  • The workshop will feature a mixed modality of delivery, including case studies and group work.

 

 

DAY 1 –March  6th

Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Community Workshop – Antigua & Barbuda

DAY 1–March6th

9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m.- 9:15 a.m.

 

Introduction and Welcome

 

Approach: The facilitator will present content in a short, interactive session.

 

The aims of this session are to:

 

·         Provide participants with Overview of the workshop’s objectives.

Approach: The facilitator will provide an introduction.

 

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

9:15 – 10:00 AM:

 

Session I: Understanding Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance – Basics and Models

The aims of this session are to:

·         Introduce CDRFI concepts in a community context.

·         Provide a simplified introduction to the concept of insurance.

·         Discuss the role of finance and insurance in managing climate and disaster risks.

·         Explain different insurance models, focusing on their relevance and its benefits for communities.

Approach: The facilitator will lead the session by presenting key content, incorporating discussions and interactive activities to ensure comprehension and engagement.

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

10:00 – 10:45 AM:

 

 

Session II: Community Needs, Vulnerabilities

 

The aims of this session are to:

·         Identify and discuss community-specific risks and vulnerabilities related to climate and disaster events.

 

Approach:  This session will involve interactive discussions, enabling participants to share their experiences and insights. The facilitator will guide the conversation towards practical insurance solutions.

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

BREAK 10:00 a.m.– 10:15 a.m.
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM:

 

Session III: Accessing and Leveraging Climate Finance and Insurance

 

The aims of this session are to:

·         Practical guidance on accessing climate finance and insurance options.

·         Discussion on Caribbean-specific resources and mechanisms.

 

Approach:   The facilitator will showcase case studies and examples, followed by a group discussion to derive applicable insights and strategies.

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

Lunch 12:00 pm- 1: 00pm
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM:

 

Session III: New Insurance and CDRFI Models and Application for the Community

The aims of this session are to:

·         Explore how different insurance models, particularly parametric insurance, can address these vulnerabilities.

·         Presentation of successful community-focused CDRFI projects and models.

·         Discussion on how these successes can be replicated and adapted for the local community.

 

Approach:   The facilitator will showcase case studies and examples, followed by a group discussion to derive applicable insights and strategies.

 

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM:

Session IV:  Community Engagement and Solution Development

 

The aims of this session are to:

·         Interactive session: participants brainstorm and develop ideas for applying CDRFI solutions in their community.

·         Rapid prototyping activity to encourage creative and practical solution design. – Emphathy Mapping and Jobs to be done

·         Group Presentations

 

Approach:    Participants will work in groups to brainstorm and prototype solutions, with the facilitator providing guidance and encouragement for creative thinking and practical application.

 

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

2:50PM – 3:00 PM:

Session VI: Wrap-Up and Networking

 

The aims of this session are to:

·         Recap of key takeaways and next steps.

 

 

Facilitator: Telly Valerie Onu

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7th Annual Farm-to-Table Awards Presentation
History of GARD Center & Awardee held on 8th May, 2024

WELCOME AND HISTORY OF GARD CENTER by June Jackson (Executive Director)

Good morning
Welcome to the formal Awards Presentation of the 7th Annual Farm-to-Table charity luncheon. We wish to thank you for joining us today. GARD Center truly appreciates your continued support.

Due to inclement weather on Saturday, 13th April, at the start of the Awards section of our Farm-to-Table event, we were unable to properly acknowledge our Sponsors, Farmers and Chefs because of the
blessings of rain.

Today, we are also here to honour a very special person who has been with the GARD Center, even before it was called the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center. Before 1989, the initial project was called the Young Farmers Training Project and this was initially a 2-year Pilot Project introduced in the Caribbean (from the British Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south) and it was funded by the Canada Training Awards Programme.

On Antigua, this training programme was carried out in collaboration with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (who provided land). This programme  was to encourage persons to take up farming as a profession, since the majority of farmers were over the age of 55. The Center started primarily as an Agricultural training institution as the name suggests.

Out of that project, came the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center, now affectionately known as the GARD Center, which was led by a Dynamic Woman, who achieved what you see here around us today.
She was the first Executive Director of the Center, which started with one file cabinet, a desk and six students.

Throughout the years, the GARD Center diversified its programmes to meet the needs of its target groups, Women and Youth (16 – 35 years). The Center depends heavily on international and regional funding for the bulk of its programmes. Unfortunately, a number of these donor partners have shifted their priorities and/or have withdrawn funding from the Region.

Farm-to-Table is a social movement which promotes serving local food at restaurants and at other eating places and is quite popular in North America. The concept is that the consumer would be able to directly
access fresh locally grown or produced foods from the producer, be it vegetable crops, fish, livestock, or poultry. This assures the consumer of being able to trace their food source, “knowing where your food comes
from.”

The GARD Center has developed this concept with a twist and has introduced a New Dining Experience to Antigua and Barbuda. While much of the food served at our Farm-to-Table Fundraiser luncheon is
produced locally, we have some of the top chefs from hotels and restaurants on island preparing mouthwatering dishes for our clientele.

This event brings together farmers and their produce, along with some of the country’s top local chefs who create exquisite cuisine with the freshest ingredients. This unique dining experience offers sophistication and takes place
outdoors in the tranquil surroundings of our Gilbert Agro-heritage Nature Center, where Patrons will experience top class dining.

This all began in 2014, with our non-profit, nongovernmental organization which operates under the auspices of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, held meetings trying to determine how to raise funds to continue the Center’s work of empowering the youth of Antigua and Barbuda, and providing them with vocational, technical training and entrepreneurship skills to become productive citizens. A member of this Committee Mrs. Barbara Japal came up with an unique idea which launched our Signature, now Annual Farm-to-Table
Fundraiser in 2015. The first year we had 3 private chefs who worked tirelessly with us to produce meals based on Sweet Potatoes. Our Premier Sponsor – the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation, has been with our major fundraising event from year 2; we are truly grateful for their stellar sponsorship. In addition, this year, we
also have on board, the Community First Cooperative Credit Union, for the 2nd year in a row. They have sponsored this Awards ceremony, plaques and certificates.

Tamarind Hills Antigua has once again donated a Weekend for 2 at their luxurious resort as the major prize at our Chinese Auction. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association sourced Gift Certificates
from Tropical Adventures and Dinner for 2 from Blue Waters and Spa. These draws will be done shortly. Sponsorship this year was alsoreceived from APUA Inet.

We also wish to thank everyone who has Volunteered, Donated and assisted us in anyway, your good deeds have not gone unnoticed. This morning, we wish to say thank you and express our gratitude to our
Farmers, who willingly donate some of their produce every year. Our farmers continue to produce high quality food to nurture our bodies.

This contributes to our local economy and lends toward food security. To all of our magnificent Chefs, the hotels and organizations which you represent, mere words cannot truly express how much we appreciate all of you. These Chefs take the locally produced food and create delicious meals. We continue to add to the local menu, the more variety the
Farmers can grow the more specialties our Chefs can produce.

This year our Awards were sponsored by the Community First Cooperative Credit Union, and to them we are greatly thankful. We are going to have a brief presentation shortly. Will the Farmers and Chefs present please come forward when your name is called. Those who are not present will receive their tokens at a later date.

Mrs. Roberta Williams led this organization admirably from its inception in November 1989 until her retirement in 2018. Under her tenure the Center was able to become a non-profit organization and was incorporated in June 2003, although it still functions under a Board and the auspices of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the
Americas, who have graciously allowed us to continue to utilize 5 acres of their property where we are currently situated. Mrs. Williams was able to get many grants to benefit the Youth in this country, particularly the
vulnerable and those at-risk. Roberta was very instrumental in writing projects to achieve this. Once she saw a need by the Youth, there was no stopping her. In her view the Center needed to expand in order to reach more youth, and beyond agriculture. Once she had an idea, there was no stopping her. The need for expansion to offer more training opportunities, led to more project writing.

The first expansion was the government of Antigua and Barbuda graciously allowed the Center to operate from its former ABS Radio station, across the road. Somehow although a major benefit and expansion, we could do better. More projects were written and more training opportunities were afforded to the Youth.

So, why stop there. Project proposals were submitted to the Japanese government in Trinidad and Tobago, and the first building (the blue one) was funded and one room was to serve as an agricultural classroom and the other a computer lab. Today, we will be renaming this to be known as the Emanuel Building. A few years later, the need to expand again became evident and the Embassy of the People of Japan was again approached and yes, the Peach building, was constructed to house a Workshop/ Conference room; a Counsellor room, a private area where
Youth with issues could be helped. There was also a storeroom included. This building will now be known as the Roberta M. Williams building.

I am sure if you look to the West, you will see a third building, the Purple one, yes, you guessed correctly. The Japanese Embassy once again came to the Center’s assistance. This time the focus had shifted to Tourism and training of Youth who did not have the academic qualification or the finances to attend the Premier Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute. It contains a Training kitchen and a storeroom. (Please note, the Center is not in competition with the ABHTI, we merely set the foundation for these students).
of these buildings are used for conducting training sessions.

This is as brief as I can get, to honour this phenomenal woman. It was decided that one of these training areas should carry her name as a reminder of her dedication and service to the GARD Center.
Please join me in standing as we salute, Mrs. Roberta M. Williams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May be an image of text that says 'the GARD center CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS! The GARD Center provides vocational training and business coaching to vulnerable young people, enabling them to develop employable, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. Opportunities and Benefits: Practical Experience •Social Skills and Networking ·Capacity Building Sessions Training Workshops Organize Events Referrals We need help with: ✓ Planting and Harvesting Seedling Management Farming Hydroponics On Site Tours General Maintenance Fundraising Events Tutoring Marketing Social Media Management For More Information: (268)-463-4121 (268)- (268)- (268)-727-4121 East of Pares Village Mercers Creek, Antigua gardc_au f gardcenter www.gardc.org admin@gardc.org'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GARD CENTER OFFERS FREE COURSES TO HMS INMATES AND OTHERS

The Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Center well known as GARD Center or by the acronym GARDC, on Monday 10th June launched a new project.  This project, directed by Mrs. Angela Ephraim involves the training of inmates in several areas.

Courses are expected to run from Mondays to Thursdays each week and it is anticipated that all of the participants will aim for 100% attendance to these classes.  Over the next five weeks the group of ten consisting of nine males and one female once complete the courses will be certified in the following:

  • Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices, Hydroponics, Crop Production, Budding/Grafting, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Beekeeping, Post-harvest technology;
  • Basic Baking & Decorating, Food Preparation
  • Life Skills, Customer Service
  • Academics such as English Language and Math
  • Business enterprise, Costing & pricing
  • Information Technology

The tutors/facilitators assisting the GARDC with these courses are Miss Efuru Elihu, Chef Maurine Bowers, Miss Joycelyn Humphreys, Dr. Renee Phillip, Miss Matara Murphy, Miss Julianne Laudat Mr. Kedane Gamble, Mr. Craig Joseph, Mr. Adrian Bowen, Mr. Jamaul Phillip, Mr. Joel Matthew and Sereno Benjamin.  Other supporters are Miriam Samuel and Jacqueline Liddell.

On Thursday 11th July there will be an exhibition and closing ceremony.