Hugh MartinFRESH FROM his trip to the United Kingdom and the Royal Agricultural Show JAS President Senator Norman Grant announced that the 2004 Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show was going to become for the first time a truly international show. This was followed by a massive media campaign promising a show 'better than before'. While this latter promise was nothing new I sort of believed that we were really in for a spectacular exposition. What I saw when I visited on Sunday however, left me greatly disappointed.
There was too much of a sameness about the whole affair for my liking. I don't know if President Grant has offended some of his colleagues with his numerous announcements but I got the feeling that he didn't get the support he expected. How else can one explain the absolutely disappointing displays put on by some organisations? Let me hasten to point out that it was not all bad.
In the north-eastern section populated by a number of private and public sector companies the Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation's booth maintained its high standard displaying the projects in which it has invested and providing valuable information to interested investors. Particularly noteworthy was the developmental work in Sea Island cotton. Not far from it was the Banana Export Company and the European Union Banana Support Programme's display, also of a very high standard.
To the south-west of these the Grace, Kennedy's elegant pavilion, housing several of its subsidiaries, stood tall and welcoming. Those who entered were treated with grace and refreshing hospitality. The pride of place understandably went to Agro Grace whose display could match the best in any part of the world. As far as I'm concerned the Cocoa Industry Board should have stayed home. There simply was not a credible attempt at a display.
COULD DO MUCH BETTER
Having seen some of their displays at previous shows I know they could do much better than the few pods scattered towards the back of the booth. The Jamaica Livestock Association clearly did not see nor hear the slogan used in the advertisements promoting the show. That effort was nowhere near 'better than before'.
The sugar industry pavilion had a lot of useful information but the presentation lacked the creativity and presence of past shows. It was the same with the Jamaica Broilers Group that traditionally put on a good show. This time they made an appearance but they were not felt. The cattle display was better than last year for the simple reason that there were some cattle this year. Compared to previous years they were just trying. The goat breeds however were pleasing to the eye and the goat breeders must be highly commended for their excellent work.
PARISH PAVILION COMPETITION
A very important aspect of the Denbigh Show is the Parish Pavilion competition for the Rudolph Burke Trophy. Thirteen parishes (Kingston and St. Andrew as one) try to outdo each other by displaying the products produced by the farmers using the most creative methods at their disposal. This is where the bar is raised year after year and the winning pavilions are usually of such high standards that they could win anywhere in the world.
It is largely the work of the officers of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) who beg or purchase the products (fruits, tubers, preserves, etc.) from farmers in the parish. The competition was pretty stiff this year but many-times winner, Westmoreland, took top honours with St. Ann second and Clarendon third. I thought Trelawny did an excellent job and is one to watch next year.
NO PROMINENT SIGNS
The strange thing about this is that these displays are far removed from the centre of the showground and there are no prominent signs pointing to them. In fact the section is separated by a wide open drain and is accessed by a series of narrow bridges a chain or two apart.
Usually one is able to move from one set of pavilions to the next by a narrow track between the building and the drain. This year the track was blocked by debris from the clean-up process so viewers were forced to go back on to the road to get to the next set of pavilions.
Mr. JAS President, Denbigh is very important to the people. They want to come each year but they complain about these little irritations. If they are not fixed the people will stop coming. And please, if you promise better make sure you deliver better.
Hugh Martin is a communication specialist and farm broadcaster who may be reached at: humar@cwjamaica.com.
