THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a student at the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, and also a beneficiary of the Carlton Alexander scholarship granted by Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation (JADF). This scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to begin my professional journey and be the best that I can be. I was a tentative child and young man who has grown into a self-assured man who now knows that his chosen field of study, Agriculture, is where he wants to make a difference. I wish here to publicly thank this organisation, who believes in me enough to grant me this opportunity.
The Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation and its board members understand the importance of the well-defined knowledge that is needed in the field of agriculture, if as a country we are to move in the 21st century with confidence. We all know that a country that cannot feed itself is doomed to be tied to the apron strings of those countries which can.
JADF is one organisation that is putting its money where its mouth is, and is doing something tangible for the future of Jamaica. I am a part of the future and many of my peers who are in this journey with me. Many of us will not be able to realise our dreams without some form of assistance. My mother began my education and now this organisation is continuing to give me the chance to blossom and grow.
I will on my return try to give many of our Jamaican youth a chance to realise their dreams. I will share with them my dream and how that dream is becoming a reality. I know now that there is support for dreams. We cannot do anything on our own. God has been standing by my side. He has put in place for me all the positive people who were able to help me get this far and I think it is my duty to publicly thank those who have made this part of my journey possible.
I am, etc.,
COPELAND VIDAL
Banana Export Co. Ltd
Boundbrook Wharf
Port Antonio
