Thousands of Jamaicans flocked to Jamaica College over the weekend to attend the country's first Ornamental Fish Expo, which featured 19 exhibitors including fish breeders, pet stores and loan providers.

The two-day exposition, which was staged by the Jamaica Orna-mental Fish Farmers Association (JOFFA), in association with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, attracted nearly 7,000 people.

Patrons were impressed with the beautiful aquariums and the quality and variety of pet fish on display at the expo, which were in great demand. Many others also came to participate in the information fora, which featured presentations from various local and international pet fish experts and other interests over the two days.

President pleased

President of JOFFA, Hugh Graham, said he was extremely pleased with the support.

"This is a new and different kind of event and if we were able to attract this many people despite the fact that several other, more established, events were taking place throughout the city, it goes to show that we were right on track when we said that Jamaica was ready for a fish expo - that the demand for such an exposition was there - we just needed to respond to it and we did," he said.

State Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings, who delivered the main address at the opening ceremony was equally happy with the outcome of the expo.

"I am very excited about the potential that the ornamental fish industry has for Jamaica and as someone who has been involved in the industry as a hobbyist for over 20 years, we are extremely pleased with the success we have had over the two days," he said.