EXTENSIVE WORK is under way at the Denbigh Agricultural Showground for the 50th annual Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Show to be held for three days from August 4-6 this year. The work being done at the showground is estimated at $1.5 million.
William Morgan, Field Operations Manager of the JAS with responsibility for ground preparation, told JIS News that repair and refurbishing activities had already commenced since July 4.
"This year's Denbigh Show will see the JAS celebrating its 50th year of existence and because it is the 50th anniversary we are making every effort to make it as special a show as possible," Mr. Morgan said.
He mentioned that major repairs were now being carried out on several of the buildings including the re-roofing of the livestock buildings, all the restaurant areas and the refurbishing of the Logwood Tree Drink Spot.
Mr. Morgan also said that repairs were being done on the fencing of the showground, as well as landscaping of the property including the pruning of trees and the mowing of lawns.
Other measures being considered to improve the quality and control of the show, include the opening of the southern car park to ease the congestion at the northern park, opening a gate for parish pavilion presenters only, and reducing the number of ticket offices, he added.
Commenting on the activities for this year's show, Mr. Morgan said there would be exhibitions focusing on science and technology. He also mentioned that a tree planting ceremony would be held to mark the 50th anniversary. The Governor-General, Prime Minister and other government officials are expected to participate in the exercise.
He said that the British High Commissioner was also being asked to plant a special tree in memory of the Princess Margaret who was present at the first Denbigh Agricultural Show held in 1952.
Mr. Morgan said further that new displays were being encouraged, in addition to the parish display competitions, where parishes vie for the Rudolph Burke trophy for best pavilion and the Percival Alwyn Broderick Junior Trophy for Best Overall Parish.
Some other areas of competition, Mr. Morgan said, includes the National Farm Queen, National Champion Farmer and Young Champion Farmer competitions as well as the Youth in Agriculture Programme.
He also said that the basic entrance fee to the show would be $250 for adults, $100 for children and a special rate was being considered for students attending in uniform.
Mr. Morgan emphasised that the JAS was making preparation for the entire family to be satisfied at this agricultural extravaganza, which is expected to highlight Jamaica's development in agriculture over the past 50 years.
