Tribute to former JAS president - Ivan Tomlinson, great agricultural icon, passes

TRIBUTES ARE still pouring in for the late former president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Ivan Tomlinson, who died recently.

Tomlinson, who was also former chairman of the Jamaica Citrus Growers Association, died at the age of 98.

In his tribute, Glen Harris, president of the JAS, said: "Mr Tomlinson was a giant of his time to the sector that has created a number of institutional frameworks to the benefit of the JAS and the farmers, the agricultural sector and other sub-sectors, in particular, the citrus industry. The agricultural sector has been made richer because of his contribution."

Agricultural hero

Senator Norman Grant, immediate past president and first vice-president of the JAS, described Tomlinson as an "agricultural hero".

According to Senator Grant, "Mr Tomlinson has given well over 75 years of his life in service to the agricultural sector as a technical officer, a farmer, agricultural scientist and a lobbyist.

He added that, in his view, Tomlinson "ought to be regarded as an agricultural hero of this century for his remarkable contribution to the sector, and without fear of any contradiction in the way he helped to advance the plight of the country's small farmers in a positive way. I benefited from his advice during the period I was president of the JAS."

Tomlinson was elected in 1994 as president of JAS and, under his leadership, the image of the JAS improved through good planning and proper management.

A thanksgiving service for the life of Ivan Tomlinson was held yesterday at the St Andrew Parish Church.

Tomlinson leaves behind widow Casilda, daughter Sherry, sister Dorothy Abrahams, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, and devoted caregivers Mavis and Angela.