News

Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer

GLENMORE EDWARDS' experience in the work world is as wide as the range of crops on his single acre farm in Vanity Fair, just outside Linstead, St Catherine.

The trained mechanic gave up his scrap metal business in 2007 to explore the agricultural sector.

"I switched to farming because it's something I love. I am a family-oriented person and I have to think seriously about providing for them, so I use the little money that I save and buy a few pigs and goats and thing like that, and even this piece a land I lease and start my farm," he explained, as he took The Gleaner on a tour of his property, which his cousin, 26 year-old Albert Johnson, helps him to manage.

The 30-year-old former security guard wholesales his produce, ranging from gungo peas, yam and sweet potatoes to cassava, banana and plantain, to vendors in the Linstead market.

He has been transporting his goods to his customers with a van he bought, the same year he began cultivating his crops. But since February 2009 he has hit a blockade.

Edwards told The Gleaner that the insurance and licence for his van had expired and "up to now I can't find the money to do the necessary."

However, driven by a deter-mination to feed his family, he continues to plough the land and sow the seeds. He reaps his crops and charters taxi to deliver them to his customers, while in some instances, clients visit the farm to pick up agricultural produce.

"It kinda rough though because certain people who out there who suppose to get certain things, I can't get it to them as I want to. I really don't want to give up farming. I love farming, but I just want some help to get my vehicle moving again," he said pointing to the van parked near his cane field.

The skilled Jamaican, who spent a part of his working life in the areas of landscaping and housekeeping at two of the country's most prominent hotels in St Ann, said this present setback was extremely frustrating.

"Sometimes, it's really difficult to hold a big money one time to do anything like all insure a vehicle, and the agencies that lend money to do small business, I try them twice and don't get through," said the dejected father of two young children.

Of course, once he gets his van back on the road, Edwards says he does not see himself switching career anytime soon.