Stephanie Elliott, Gleaner Writer

Nassau, Bahamas:

Jamaica's Omari Soares, 24-year-old technical information officer at the Scientific Research Council (SRC), was on October 4, awarded the top regional prize for an essay which questioned whether 'A New Agriculture' can change lives in rural areas of Caribbean countries.

The essay competition was hosted by the Inter-American institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on behalf of the Secretariat for the Alliance for Sustainable development in Agriculture and the Rural Milieu.

Soares was awarded an IICA trophy and certificate for his efforts at the 'Caribbean Agricultural Week' awards ceremony held at the Radisson Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas.

All-expense paid trip

He also received an all-expense paid trip to the Bahamas.

The Gleaner met up with the young enthusiastic awardee in Nassau, two days before he was scheduled to accept his award.

Reading excerpts from his winning entry, the young man who hails from Green Acres, St. Catherine, expressed his gratitude at being recognised for the top award, adding that he learnt of the competition only two weeks before the official deadline.

He attributes his success to life experiences as a youth in rural Jamaica, as he was able to perceive how a new agricultural approach could result in a holistic and sustainable industry.

Giving a summary of his essay, Soares explained that the employment of experts and introduction of technology will broaden the scope of the industry.