- Damion Mitchell photo
Senator Norman Grant (second right) president of the Jamaica Agriculture Society (JAS) congratulates Ivan Hope Tomlinson, one of four awardees at the JAS' grand gala at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston last week Friday, to culminate the activities for National Farmers' Month. Joining in a standing ovation in honour of Mr. Tomlinson (in background) are Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke (left) and John Issa, chairman of SuperClubs.
Damion Mitchell, Farmers Weekly Co-ordinator
THE JAMAICA Agricultural Society (JAS) culminated National Farmers' Month last Friday with a grand gala to honour four outstanding Jamaicans whose seeds of dedication, commitment and proficiency have been moulding the agricultural sector for numerous years.
The four - Ivan Tomlinson, Robert E. Levy, Clinton Osbourne McGann and Joyce Mudahy-Shaw - were each presented with an award of excellence amidst thunderous applause during the function held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.
But it was Mr. Tomlinson who stole the hearts of many receiving a standing ovation as he enthusiastically dragged himself to the platform, obviously restricted by complications associated with ageing.
"Mass Ivan is no ordinary man said," said master of ceremony, Allan Rickards, the Chairman of the All-Island Cane Farmers Association, before reading a citation to him.
Upon graduating from the Farm School (later changed to the Jamaica School of Agriculture), Mr. Tomlinson was employed in the agriculture sector at the Grove Experimental Station. He worked there for two years before pursuing studies overseas to further upgrade himself, returning as supervisor of Agricultural Inspectors in the JAS a position he served for three years.
He became Senior Agricultural Officer in 1951 and by 1955, he was promoted to Chief Agricultural Officer. Mr. Tomlinson also served as the Director of Extension Services in the Ministry of Agriculture before retiring to take up the position of staff tutor at the University of the West Indies.
He was the founder of the North Clarendon Development Project several years ago and is still the chairman of that organisation, in addition to being vice president of the Citrus Growers' Association.
Robert Levy, 64, is currently the president and chief executive officer of Jamaica Broilers. He has been associated with that company since 1959 and has worked with several organisations including the Caribbean Poultry Association.
Clinton McGann, 78, cited as a true model for young and older persons interested in farming, has had a fruitful career in agriculture, although he was trained in engineering.
In 1968 and 1969, he was named the JAS national champion farmer, colouring the already bright career he had been sowing in agriculture as a member of several influential organisations including the Agricultural Development Board. Only last August, he was placed second in the National Pig Farmer Competition at the Denbigh Agri-Industrial Show in Clarendon.
Joyce Mudahy-Shaw, the only female awardee, was overwhelmed with pride as she strode to the platform to collect her award. "I am so very happy, I would do it all over again if I had the time," she said, smiling.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
Mrs. Mudahy-Shaw, 79, has long been involved in horticulture and was responsible for floral arrangement at Kings House on a number of occasions when foreign dignitaries were visiting.
JAS president, Senator Norman Grant said it was important to recognise those who have contributed to the sector, as they have been integral in its overall development. "There are those who consume as though there is no such person as a Jamaican farmer," said senator Grant while noting their invaluable contributions.
During the ceremony, three companies SuperPlus Food Stores, Grace Kitchens and SuperClubs were also recognised for supporting the JAS' Eat Jamaican Campaign.
Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke and Chairman of SuperClubs John Issa were also in attendance at the gala.
