In West Rural St. Andrew, we are blessed with some of the most fertile hillsides in Jamaica. The land is rich with possibility, and our people have never been afraid of hard work. Yet for far too long, that natural potential has gone unrealized.
I have listened to our farmers. I have walked through their fields. I have sat with their families and heard their stories. What is clear to me is this: our people do not lack dedication or determination. What has been missing is the support, the systems, and the investment to help them grow and thrive.
That must change. And I am committed to being part of that change.
Agriculture is more than a tradition in this constituency. It is a way of life. It is also one of the greatest untapped opportunities for economic growth and generational wealth. With the right partnerships, tools, and access to markets, I believe we can transform our natural resources into thriving agro-industries that uplift families and strengthen the entire community.
The Plan: Build, Grow, Thrive
My vision is practical. It is people-centered. It is designed to deliver results that our farmers can feel. Here is how we get there:
- We will promote the cultivation of high-value crops like turmeric, chocho, herbs, and ornamental plants that are well suited to our hillside environment.
- We will form strategic partnerships that help our farmers connect to both local and international markets.
- We will support small agri-businesses in moving beyond raw supply, by encouraging processing and packaging at the community level.
- We will offer technical training and workshops in modern farming methods, climate-smart practices, and basic business management.
- We will work with financial institutions and government agencies to unlock grants, low-interest loans, and crop insurance for our farmers.
We are not here to make promises that sound good on paper. We are here to do the work that puts our farmers at the heart of our economic development. They deserve a seat at the table, and we will make sure they have one.
A Vision for a Thriving Agro-Economy
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our approach will be layered, inclusive, and tailored to the real needs of our people:
- Crop diversification will help our farmers tap into high-demand niche markets.
- Small-scale agro-processing will create jobs right here in the constituency and keep more value within our communities.
- We will build alliances with tourism operators, export distributors, and agro-processors to create stable demand.
- Localised technical support will help our farmers adapt to climate change and modern agricultural challenges.
- Access to capital and insurance will make it easier for families to plan, expand, and protect their investments.
This is not just about growing crops. It is about growing confidence. It is about growing capacity. And it is about building true community wealth.
Why This Matters
When we support agriculture, we are not only feeding families. We are building futures. We are creating jobs. We are increasing food security.
Most importantly, we are restoring pride in farming as a profession of power and purpose.
Our constituency has what it takes. The land is willing. The people are ready. All we need now is the leadership and the will to move forward.
Let Us Work Together
Are you a farmer or agro-entrepreneur in West Rural St. Andrew? I would love to hear from you.
Please visit our website and sign up to receive updates on training opportunities, business support, and grant funding that can help take your work to the next level.
The time to act is now. The land is ready. And so are we.
Let us build, grow, and thrive together.
