GRANT
THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE WRITE in response to Mr. Cecil P. Beharry's letter, which appeared in The Gleaner of August 8, 2005 entitled 'Denbigh gets bad review'.
We wish to place on record that the board of management of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) is extremely proud of the 53rd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural Show. This is so, when looked at in the context of the recovery of the agricultural sector in general and the efforts to restore the showground, which suffered extensive damage during the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. Many persons did not expect us to be able to stage the show because of the many challenges, but in an effort to highlight and salute the resilience of our farmers 'the show had to go on'.
This year, the organising committee began to streamline the layout of the showground by introducing an exhibition arena and a food court. Both areas had adequate space, and the allocation to each exhibitor was done in an orderly fashion.
Unfortunately, there are those among us who are determined to operate in a business as usual way, hence, the initial problem that Mr. Beharry's friend experienced.
EXTENSIVE CLEANING
Garbage bins were placed all around the showground, and these were cleared at intervals throughout the day. Extensive cleaning of the grounds was also undertaken each night, but we are aware that more needs to be done in this area. I have been told that it is the best the showground has ever been.
We are in agreement that more needs to be done to improve the infrastructure and maintenance of the grounds, and since the start of my presidency, it has been made clear that the process of transition of the society, and all the related events were going to be a priority. The work has actually started, and while I will not use this forum to outline the significant areas of progress of the JAS since my administration took office in 2003, I would like to say, however, that we recognise that a tremendous amount of work still needs to be undertaken. It is a work in progress.
We thank Mr. Beharry for attending the show, and also for taking the time to send us his views. We too believe that Denbigh has great potential for development, and will make every effort to address the areas of concerns outlined to ensure that when he visits next year, he will be able to once again write, this time to highlight the improvements, and join many others who have commended the JAS for the improved quality of the last two Denbigh shows.
I am, etc.,
NORMAN WASHINGTON
GRANT
President
