PARISH STANDS ALONE POST-MELISSA IN SHOWING OFF CHILDREN’S EFFORT IN AGRICULTURE
BROWN’S TOWN, St Ann; March 27, 2026
St. Ann 4-H Clubs hosted their Parish Selection Day 2026, showcasing the agricultural endeavours of schoolchildren and, in so doing, was the only parish to continue the annual exercise post Hurricane Melissa.
The event was held at Brown’s Town Primary School in St. Ann on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and was a scaled-down version of the parish’s Annual 4-H Achievement Day. It brought together 27 schools and community groups in a wide-ranging display of youth talent and innovation in agriculture.
(Jamaica 4-H Clubs Manager for St. Ann, Tedroy Gordon, front right, looks on as Brown’s Town Primary School’s Kimone Linton, renders a cultural item during the St. Ann 4-H Clubs Parish Selection Day 2026).
Students from institutions such as Brown’s Town Primary, Brown’s Town High, York Castle High, Claremont Primary and Infant, and several others participated in crop and livestock competitions, as well as in leadership, development, and climate-focused activities.
In his address, Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Peter Thompson, said the students are central to the day’s success, as well as the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
(Fun-time at the 4-H Parish Selection Day in St Ann)
“4-H stands resolute in terms of support to schools, in terms of support to community clubs in achieving their goals and objectives where agriculture and agricultural entrepreneurship are concerned,” Mr. Thompson stated.
At the parish level, Manager Tedroy Gordon explained that St. Ann stood out as the only parish to maintain its Achievement Day activities, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
(Part of the audience, including 4-H clubbites and teachers)
He credited teachers for ensuring that the event continued, noting their collective decision to prioritise youth engagement even amid challenges. “The Jamaica 4-H Clubs continues to be that youth arm of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to ensure that youth involvement and youth in agriculture continue to be at the forefront of the Ministry,” Mr. Gordon stated.
Agencies, including the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), were on the ground interacting with students, while other stakeholders showcased services relevant to young farmers and their communities.
Among those making a return to the competition floor was the team from Irons Mountain Primary and Infant School, led by teacher and 4-H leader, Pauline Nolan.
Photos by Okoye Henry/JIS
