Jennifer Edwards (centre) minutes after she was sworn-in as the new Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture at Kings House yesterday. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) and Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke share the occasion. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson said yesterday that the elevation of the Member of Parliament for South West St. Catherine, Jennifer Edwards, to the position of Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, is in recognition for her service and contribution.
Mr. Patterson was speaking following the swearing-in ceremony for Miss Edwards at Kings House.
The Prime Minister said that although Miss Edwards was not appointed because she is a woman, her gender was not without significance since it was the first time a woman was holding a political office in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr. Patterson added that while agriculture has been thought of as a man's domain, "our history has shown that women have been as involved as men in agriculture. And in some cases making a more meaningful contribution than men," Mr. Patterson said.
The Prime Minister said that as the country sought to undertake economic transformation, the agricultural sector must be embraced as a significant partner. He said that "fresh thinking and approaches were needed even as old myths were discarded."
He said agriculture was an essential element in the development of Jamaica's rural communities, extending beyond the confines of the sector itself and into social considerations.
The Prime Minister said Miss Edwards would bring to those considerations the understanding and the sensitivities that will help in the process of empowering women throughout the society, with agriculture being used as a model of what is possible.
