Consider developing St Mary as an agricultural hub

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The recent passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has once again underscored the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the need for a more resilient and diversified agricultural strategy. The hurricane severely impacted the western side of the island and has had a catastrophic effect on the agricultural sector.

The western region of the island, particularly parishes such as St Elizabeth, Manchester, and Westmoreland, have long been pillars of national food production. However, the extensive losses experienced in these regions highlight the importance of distributing agricultural investment more evenly across the island. A model that relies heavily on one geographic area creates national vulnerability when disasters strike. The ripple effects on the country’s food supply and economic stability are immediate and far-reaching.

This event must now serve as a catalyst for a new and diversified agricultural model, one that strengthens multiple production centres across Jamaica. Such an approach would not replace or diminish the contribution of our traditional agricultural hubs. Instead, it would enhance national resilience and ensure continuity of supply during a crisis. The agricultural framework established in the western region provides a foundation that can be replicated in other parishes to strengthen national production capacity.

St Mary stands out as a parish with significant untapped potential, our fertile soils, favourable rainfall, and history of long-standing farming culture that position us well to support national food security. Yet, the level of targeted investment needed to fully activate this potential has not been realised.

The current food shortage demonstrates that agricultural resilience must be built on diversification geographically, economically, and structurally. We therefore recommend that future agricultural development plans include:

• Expansion of modern storage and distribution facilities.

• Expansion of irrigation systems and farm access roads.

• Provision of climate-resilient technologies and training for farmers.

• Incentives for private sector engagement in agro-processing and value addition within the

parish.

Strengthening St Mary’s agricultural capacity will improve Jamaica’s overall food security, create employment opportunities, stimulate local and national economies, expand micro and macro linkages, and contribute positively to the country’s gross domestic product. The lessons from this hurricane must not be forgotten; resilience is achieved through balance and inclusion.

We believe that, with strategic investment, the parish can become a vital contributor to national food production and a model of climate-resilient agricultural development.

TASHIBA JULIUS

President

St Mary Ambassadors for

Change