VOL. 25 NO. 4 OCTOBER 2014 FREE COPY WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.

COM
By DOUGLAS McINTOSH, JIS
T
he Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)
is reporting that Agriculture, Forestry,
and Fishing led the sectors which grew dur-
ing the April to June 2014 quarter, recording
growth of 12.6 per cent over the correspon-
ding period last year.
Other sectors recording growth, accord-
ing to the PIOJ, include: Hotels and Restau-
rants, up 2.7 per cent; Transport, Storage, and
Communication, 1.3 per cent; and Construc-
tion, 1 per cent.
Overall growth of 1.2 per cent was
recorded for the quarter, with the Goods Pro-
ducing Industry up 3.6 per cent, and Serv-
ices, 0.5 per cent.
The PIOJs Director General, Colin Bul-
lock, says the overall quarterly outturn
largely reflects the result of improved
weather conditions, and continued imple-
mentation of initiatives, aimed at improving
productivity and output in agriculture, par-
ticularly from the Agro Parks.
Addressing the PIOJs quarterly media
briefing, at the agencys New Kingston of-
fices on Wednesday (August 20), Mr. Bul-
lock said the performance of the goods
producing industry, specifically for agricul-
ture and construction, largely reflected re-
covery from the impact of hurricane Sandy,
as well as increased expenditure in construc-
tion.
He pointed out that traditional agricul-
tural crop exports grew by 92.1 per cent;
other agricultural crops, mainly domestic
produce increased by 5.5 per cent; and ani-
mal farming activities, 0.9 per cent.
Seven of the nine crop groups within
the other agricultural crops component
recorded increases, including: plantains, up
70.6 per cent; yams, up 15.4 per cent; and
potatoes, up 14.3 per cent. Within the tradi-
tional export crops component, higher out-
put was recorded for sugarcane, up 136.4 per
cent; and bananas, up 130.4 per cent, the
Director General outlined.
Sectors declining included: Mining and
Quarrying, down 0.6 per cent; Manufactur-
ing, 0.3 per cent; Electricity and Water, 1.6
per cent; and Producers of Government Serv-
ices, 0.2 per cent.
Bullock explained that the overall slow-
ing in the pace of growth will largely reflect
a projected decline for the agricultural,
forestry, and fishing industry, due to the im-
pact of drought conditions, and bush fires on
domestic crop production.
12.6%
Growth
for Agri
Hundreds Say
Farewell to Roger
Special tribute on pages 6-14
ROGER CLIFFORD CLARKE
JUNE 11, 1940 - AUGUST 28, 2014
2 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 3
EDITORIAL
T
he late Agriculture and Fisheries Min-
ister, Mr. Roger Clifford Clarke, was
indeed an extraordinary man -- influencing
and managing people for some four
decades, including 12 years as minister.
Shortly after graduating from the Man-
ning High School in Westmoreland, Mr.
Clarke entered the field of agriculture,
starting as a sugar estate bookkeeper.
He later moved from managing farms
to later owning and operating his own
farms. Mr. Clarke was also one of the
largest sugar cane farmers in the island.
Mr. Clarke dedicated most of his work-
ing and professional life to farming and
representational politics. He was a long-
standing member of the ruling PNP and a
veteran parliamentarian.
With an infectious sense of humor, Mr.
Clarke has been described as very hard
working, passionate and committed.
He was always known to attract people
from across various social and economic
strata. In any large crowd, he would stand
out as a result of his larger-than-life per-
sonality and keen interest in people.
A former president of the St. Elizabeth
Branch of the Jamaica Agricultural Soci-
ety, Mr. Clarke was always destined to be
among the top policymakers and political
leaders in Jamaica.
His home was said to be the meeting
grounds for anyone who wanted to visit
him.
However, amidst the challenges and
changing economic environment, the late
minister did his best to grow the agricul-
tural sector and looked out for his fellow
farmers.
With domestic food production at the
ending of 2013, peaks at 610,138 tons, Ja-
maicas longest serving Minister of Agri-
culture would have ended his tour of duty
on a very positive note.
Minister Clarke will be missed, not just
for his good sense of humour or a master
at the game of domino, but for his love and
support for people.
As we reflect on Roger Clarkes jour-
ney, we will always remember his family
and friends in our prayers.
Walk good my friend!
by
PATRICK MAITLAND
Publisher -The Agriculturalist
editor@theagriculturalist.com
The opinions expressed in this newspaper, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Agriculturalist and its publishers. Please send your com-
ments or suggestions to editor@theagriculturalist.com. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.
Focal
Point
OPINIONS
Reflecting on Roger Clarkes journey!
ROME (IPS):
A
t the 1996 World Food Summit (WFS),
heads of government and the interna-
tional community committed themselves to
reducing the number of hungry people in the
world by half. Five years later, the Millen-
nium Development Goals (MDGs) lowered
this level of ambition by only seeking to
halve the proportion of the hungry.
The latest State of World Food Insecu-
rity (SOFI) report for 2014 by the Rome-
based Food and Agriculture Organization,
World Food Programme and International
Fund for Agricultural Development estimates
that 805 million people one in nine people
worldwide remain chronically hungry: 789
million are in developing countries where
this share has declined from 23.4 to 13.5 per-
cent.
By 2012-14, 63 developing countries
had reached the MDG target to either re-
duce the share of hungry people by half, or
keep the share of the hungry under five per-
cent with several more on track to do so by
2015.
Some 25 countries have made more im-
pressive progress, achieving the more ambi-
tious WFS target of halving the number of
hungry. However, the number of hungry peo-
ple in the world has only declined by one-
fifth from the billion estimated for 1990-92.
Major effort needed
The proportion of undernourished peo-
ple those regularly not able to consume
enough food for an active and healthy life
has decreased from 23.4 percent in 1990
1992 to 13.5 percent in 20122014. This is
significant because a large and growing num-
ber of countries show that achieving and sus-
taining rapid progress in reducing hunger is
feasible.
However, the MDG target of halving the
chronically undernourished peoples share of
the worlds population by the end of 2015
cannot be met at the current rate of progress.
Meeting the target is still possible, however,
with a sufficient, immediate additional effort
to accelerate progress, especially in countries
which have showed little progress so far.
Progress uneven
By 2012-14, 63 developing countries had
reached the MDG target to either reduce the
share of hungry people by half, or keep the
share of the hungry under five percent with
several more on track to do so by 2015
Overall progress has been highly un-
even. All but 14 million of the worlds hungry
live in developing countries. Some countries
and regions have seen only slow progress in
reducing hunger, while the absolute number
of hungry has even increased in several cases.
While sub-Saharan Africa has the highest
share of the chronically hungry, almost one
in four, South Asia has the highest number,
with over half a billion undernourished.
Marked differences in reducing under-
nourishment have persisted across regions.
There have been significant reductions in
both the estimated share and number of un-
dernourished in most countries in Southeast
Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, Latin America
and the Caribbean where the MDG target
of halving the hunger rate has been reached,
or nearly reached.
West Asia has seen a rise in the share of
the hungry compared with 19901992, while
progress in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia
and Oceania has not been sufficient to meet
the MDG hunger target by 2015.
In several countries, underweight and
stunting persist in children, even when un-
dernourishment is low and most people have
access to sufficient food. Such nutrition fail-
ures are due not only to insufficient food ac-
cess, but also to poor health conditions and
the high incidence of diseases such as diar-
rhoea, malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Food security and nutrition
Hunger is conventionally measured in
terms of the prevalence of undernourishment,
the FAO estimate of chronic inadequacy of
dietary energy. While such a measure is use-
ful for estimating hunger, it needs to be com-
plemented by more measures to capture other
dimensions of food security.
With the post-2015 Sustainable Devel-
opment Goals likely to seek to overcome
hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition,
FAO has recently developed and tested a new
Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) in
over 150 countries to measure the severity of
reported food insecurity.
Lessons
Improvements in nutrition generally re-
quire complementary policies, including im-
proving health conditions, hygiene, water
supply and education. More sophisticated
and creative approaches to coordination and
governance are needed, with more, and more
effective, resources to end hunger and mal-
nutrition in our lifetimes.
With high levels of deprivation, unem-
ployment and underemployment continuing
and likely to prevail in the world in the fore-
seeable future, poverty and hunger are un-
likely to be overcome without universalising
social protection to all in need, but also to
provide the means for future livelihoods and
resilience.
The forthcoming Second International
Conference of Nutrition in Rome on Novem-
ber 19-21 is expected to articulate coherent
bases for accelerated progress to overcome
undernutrition as well as for greater interna-
tional cooperation and support for enhanced
and more integrated national nutrition efforts.
Step Up Efforts Against Hunger
Publisher & Editor:
Patrick Maitland
Consulting Editors:
Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey
Produced & Published by:
Agri Life Foundation Ltd
AMC Complex,
188 Spanish Town Road,
Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: (876) 923-7471 923-7428
Fax: (876) 923-7428
editor@theagriculturalist.com
www.theagriculturalist.com
_______________________________________
Agri Life Foundation is a non-profit
organization that foster and encourage
farmers to become more self-sufficient
and competitive in a free market economy.
By
JOMO KWAME SUNDARAM
Coordinator for Economic and
Social Development- Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO)
4 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
NEWS
Farmers Trained
to Combat Beet
Armyworm
Approximately 150 farmers from the parish
of St. Elizabeth have successfully com-
pleted a nine-week training course on Beet
Armyworm Integrated Pest Management,
aimed at building local capacity to manage
the pest.
The training was co-ordinated by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under
its Strengthening a National Beet Army-
worm Programme, which is a two-year
project being funded by the Food and Agri-
culture Organization (FAO) at a cost of ap-
proximately US$213,000. The United
States Agency for International Develop-
ment (USAID) is providing technical as-
sistance.
All the participants received certifi-
cates at a graduation ceremony held on
September 11, at the Junction Guest House
in St. Elizabeth. Addressing the ceremony,
Chief Technical Director in the Ministry,
Dermon Spence, said the farmers were the
second batch trained, with the first group
of 22 farmers trained in 2013.
-----------------------------------------------
Profit slides at
Jamaica Broilers
J
amaica Broilers has announced that, de-
spite the continued depreciation of the
local currency and sluggish consumer de-
mand, its Best Dressed and Hi-Pro Ace di-
visions performed well during the during
three months to August 2.
However, overall results were nega-
tively affected by the performance of the
Ethanol Division. During the quarter the
company saw its net profit slide to $114
million, from $140 million last year.
Jamaica Broilers says it has been con-
tacted by a number of parties which have
expressed an interest in entering new fuel
processing contracts.
--------------------------------------------------
EU to set harvest
records in both
corn and wheat
E
urope's farmers will this year achieve
record corn and wheat production,
Strategie Grains said, upgrading its esti-
mates for both harvests, although restating
its concern over the quality of the wheat
crop.
The influential analysis group raised
by 2.5m tonnes to a record 146.6m tonnes
its estimate for the newly-finished Euro-
pean Union soft wheat harvest, the world's
biggest.
Total wheat production, at 153.8m
tonnes, is an all-time high too, beating the
2008 high, despite a relatively small crop
this year of durum, the hard wheat used in
making pasta.
Strategie Grains also raised by 3.3m
tonnes to a record 71.3m tonnes its esti-
mate for production of corn for grain, ex-
cluding the silage maize crops popular in
some more northern EU countries, such as
the UK, for dairy cow feeding and biogas
plants. www.agrimoney.com
AGRICULTURE MINISTRY TESTS NEW SWEET POTATO VARIETY FOR EXPORT:
Marketing consultant, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Derrick Deslandes (l), explains the attributes of the Beauregard
sweet potato to Acting Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Derrick Kellie (2nd l) during a tour of the New Forest /Duff
House Agro-Park on August 11. Listening (l-r) Acting Zonal Director, Rural Agricultural Development Authority, Donald Robin-
son, Permanent Secretary Donovan Stanberry and farmer Jeff Stephenson. Thirty thousand slips of a new variety of sweet
potato, the Beauregard, has been planted at three agro-parks - New Forest/Duff House in St. Elizabeth/Manchester, Spring
Plain in Clarendon, Yallahs in St. Thomas and at a farm in Charlemont, St. Catherine. According to Donovan Stanberry, Per-
manent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, this new variety, imported out of the United States was spe-
cially requested by the Fresh Produce Consortium out of the United Kingdom. The Consortium is an association of over 700
businesses, including retailers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, processors, packers and food service companies, has
been in discussion with some large farmers who operate in the agro-parks to export sweet potatoes from Jamaica to the UK.
DAIRY FARMERS BENEFIT FROM FODDER BANKS:
(l-r) Walton Rodney, Jasmine Holness, chairman of the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB); board members Douglas
Saunders and Keith Amiel; and Chief Executive Officer Hugh Graham examine forage chaffer in operation at Cabbage Val-
ley in St. Elizabeth. The equipment is one of four procured by the JBBD to assist small farmers with the feeding of harvested
fodder. Twenty-three small dairy farmers are now benefiting from fodder banks that were established by the Ministry of Agri-
culture and Fisheries and with financial and technical assistance from the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB). Under
the Dairy Sector Revitalization Programme of the JDDB, the 40- hectare project was implemented at a cost of $28m. The proj-
ect facilitated the planting of fodder (King Grass and sugar cane) that is to be harvested and used to augment the feeding
of dairy and beef cattle, thereby mitigating the adverse impact of the severe drought which is now affecting the country.
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 5
NEWS





REMEMBRING
MISISTER CLARKE
From the Board of Directors,
Parish Advisory Boards,
Management and Staff of Rural
Agricultural Development Authority
T
he Board of Directors, Parish Advisory Board, Management and Staff of
the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) would like to
convey our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the late Minis-
ter of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke.
An agricultural icon who hailed from humble beginnings in Glen Islay,
Westmoreland has established a legacy and accomplishments which touched
the lives of many, transcending race, divisions or creed.
We note his passion for the agricultural sector, the unique manner in which
he related to his fellow farmers and his valiant contribution towards the preser-
vation of our rich history. He served with discipline, empathy and compassion
for people.
His vision to promote agriculture in Jamaica as the main engine of eco-
nomic growth in rural communities through an efficient, modern and sus-
tainable extension service which will enhance the national economy and
improve the quality of life of rural farm families still resonates as the mandate
of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority.
We thank the late Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, for his fruitful
years of service to this country more particularly within the agricultural sec-
tor.
May his soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon him. Great-
ness cannot be measured in terms of material prowess but to the legacy that
you leave behind.
Courtesy of RJR News Centre
T
he Agriculture Ministry has indicated
that Jamaica is not yet in a position to
grow enough red peas to match consump-
tion so imports will continue.
Last year, the country imported roughly
one billion dollars worth of red peas.
This has upset many local players who
argue that the country should be able to pro-
duce enough of the commodity.
However, Permanent Secretary in the
Agriculture Ministry, Donovan Stanberry,
states that this is unlikely to change soon.
He pointed to Jamaica's legal obligations
plus the efficiency of other countries in
growing red peas:
Mr. Stanberry said "the real issue with
read peas is that we are part and parcel of a
CARICOM trading arrangement and most
imports in fact comes in from Belize duty
free based on the CARICOM agreement and
we just have to be objective. We cannot
compete with Belize given to the scale of
red peas production given the level of mech-
anisation in Belize.
Data obtained by the RJR News Centre
reveal that 85 percent of the peas used in Ja-
maica is imported.
Meanwhile Mr Stanberry says the pro-
duction of red peas in Jamaica is increasing
annually but there are vital changes needed
if the country is to compete successfully:
He said "we have 220 farmers, most of
whom operate on a small acreage.
To get our costs down we would have
to plant red pease on large acreages that are
mechanized and it is in that context why the
development of the Agro park is critical be-
cause what the Agro parks allow us to do is
be able to engage large acreage that would
give us the type of economy of scale.
Jamaica can't
compete with
Belize in red peas
C
arl Williams, 50 has been appointed
Commissioner police effective Sep-
tember 15, 2014.
Williams comes to the post with a track
record of innovation and performance in a
wide variety of command roles in the Ja-
maica Constabulary Force and is highly
qualified academically, with a PhD in
Criminal Justice, the Ministry said.
Williams is the founding director of
Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corrup-
tion Agency (MOCA) and the innovator
responsible for conceptualizing and devel-
oping the Anti-Lottery Scam Task Force.
He led Jamaica's anti-narcotics cam-
paign from 2000 to 2004 with the success-
ful prosecution and/or extradition of a
number of major narcotics traffickers.
Williams was enlisted in the JCF in
February 1984.
President of the Jamaica Agricultural
Society (JAS) Norman Grant expressed
his sincere congratulations the Commis-
sioner and pledged the support of the soci-
ety.
ADDIS ABABA:
A
new campaign by the International Fer-
tilizer Industry Association (IFA), the
African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partner-
ship (AFAP) and six other agricultural devel-
opment partner organizations aims to promote
the importance of fertilizer access for African
farmers as a means of bridging the current
agricultural productivity gap on the continent.
The campaign is being launched at the
African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), a
three-day event bringing together the global
agricultural community to discuss and coor-
dinate strategies for achieving the green rev-
olution in Africa.
Fertilizer use in Africa remains star-
tlingly low compared to other regions, with
average use at around 10 kg per hectare, a
tenth of the global average, said Charlotte
Hebebrand, Director General of IFA. As the
voice of the global fertilizer industry, IFA will
continue to dedicate time and resources to
raising awareness on fertilizers role in re-
ducing the yield gap and driving African agri-
cultural development.
New Campaign Promotes Access
to Fertilizers for African Farmers
New Police Commissioner
Wallenford Coffee
deal yet to close
IT HAS been a year since Michael Lee-
Chin's company took control of the assets of
Wallenford Coffee Company, but the Min-
istry of Agriculture disclosed on Thursday
that the deal is still pending closure.
Discussions on how the operation will
be restructured are ongoing, but are in the
final stages, according to Permanent Secre-
tary Donovan Stanberry. Cabinet will have
to sign off on the final plan, he said.
One year ago, the Government an-
nounced the agreement to sell Wallenford to
AIC International Investments Limited
(AIIL) in a deal worth US$39.5 million (J$4
billion). AIIL is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Lee Chin's company, Portland Holdings
Inc.
Wallenford had accumulated losses of
$2.36 billion and net assets of $67.75 mil-
lion up to February 2013.
Of the US$39.5 million, Development
Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), which brokered the
sale, said US$16 million would flow to the
Jamaican Government, while AIIL would in-
ject capital of US$23.5 into the development
and expansion of Wallenford over four years.
Asked whether AIIL had paid over the
US$16 million for the estate, Stanberry said
the payments were to be made according to
an agreed schedule, and were so far on track.
AIIL assumed control of the Wallenford
operations on September 11, 2013. The
transaction was set for closure in six months
thereafter, or by March 2014, but has been
delayed.
"We have now reached the stage where
we have satisfied all conditions for a defini-
tive agreement," Stanberry said.
Managing director of DBJ, Milverton
Reynolds, adds that the parties are now
working to close the deal in September. Gov-
ernment is assuming the coffee company's
debts held by the PetroCaribe Development
Fund, the EEC, and Ex-Im Bank, Reynolds
said.
6 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
T
he late Honourable Roger Clarke, Minister of
Agriculture and Fisheries, husband, father, and
friend, has touched many lives, including those of
the directors, management and staff of the Banana
Board.
His amicable demeanor, creative ideas and so-
ciable orientation belied his strong work ethic, suc-
cesses and commitment to agriculture and the
farmers of his beloved country, Jamaica.
Minister Clarkes upbringing in rural West-
moreland as progenitor to farmers logically piloted
his career choice to farming. His diligence and re-
solve are, however, what led him to become the
largest producer of sugar cane in St. Elizabeth and
the largest supplier of sugar cane to Appleton Estate.
Despite his affinity to sugar cane and its byprod-
ucts,
bananas found a place in his heart during his tenure
as Agriculture Minister, and he was keen to compe-
tently facilitate the recovery of the Banana Industry
from a number of setbacks.
Hurricanes Dean and Gustav devastated the Ba-
nana Industry in 2007 and 2008, and resulted in the
suspension of almost all banana exports. Wreaking
further havoc on the island were Tropical Storm
Nicole in 2010 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, as they
flattened entire farms, and brought banana and plan-
tain production down to an all time low. In a drive to
rehabilitate the Banana Industry and reduce the
countrys subsequent multimillion US dollar impor-
tation bill for banana by-products, Minister Clarke
explored a number of options such as additional
stamp duty on imported banana and plantain by-
products, with proceeds to be used to develop the
Industry. He even went as far as to propose that pris-
oners be made to cultivate the land to help to facili-
tate the growth of the Industry.
That particular idea did not come to fruition.
However, through careful planning and conversa-
tion with the Banana Board, farmers and other agri-
cultural bodies, Minister Clarke was able to
revitalize the Industry through the Banana Resusci-
tation Loan Programme with J$100M from the De-
velopment Bank of Jamaica.
Most admirably however, he facilitated the pre-
vious initiative of multi-million dollar bilateral
agreements with the European Union to implement
the European Union Banana Support Progarmme, as
well as the current four-year Jamaica Banana Ac-
companying Measures, upon which he just recently
launched a platform for increasing banana xports to
Grand Cayman, Canada the United Kingdom and
other markets.
Minister Clarke also supported the Banana
Boards strategy of elevating production and pro-
ductivity by lowering the cost of production with the
technical innovations in disease control and intro-
ducing higher yielding, disease resistant and stress
tolerant banana varieties, which have been very suc-
cessful so far.
The Banana Board considers the passing of
Minister Roger Clarke to be a great loss, not only to
the Banana Industry and the agricultural sector, but
to all the citizens in a very grateful nation. His cheer-
ful disposition, lightness of character and his as-
siduity will truly be missed. Our condolences to:
Mrs. Clarke, daughter Dollett, son Andrew, grand-
children, other family members, friends and con-
stituents.
May his soul rest in peace.
In Tribute to the
Hon Roger Clarke
June 1940 - August 2014 June 1940 - August 2014
The later Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Roger Clarke; Janet Conie, General manager of
the Banana Board and Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary discuss the resumption of ba-
nana exports to Britain.
BANANA BOARD
10 South Ave, Kingston Gardens, Kingston 4, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 922-5490; (876) 922-4327; Email: bananaboard@cwjamaica.com
www.thebananaboard.org
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 7
HON ROGER HAROLD CLIFFORD CLARKE, JUNE 11, 1940 - AUGUST 28, 2014
Courtesy of JIS
T
he Hon. Roger Clarke, Minister of
Agriculture and Member of Parlia-
ment for Central Westmoreland, is a name
synonymous in Jamaicas political and so-
cial spheres with agriculture.
He has had a rich upbringing in agri-
culture and its practices from his younger
years to the present.
Minister Clarke grew up in Glen Islay,
Westmoreland, where he helped his par-
ents and grandparents on their farm, which
produced root crops and vegetables. He at-
tended the Mannings High School and
later went on to pursue extensive manage-
ment training at the now defunct Jamaica
Industrial Development Corporation and
Harbridge House in the United States in
the 1960s.
He has worked extensively with sev-
eral sugar estates in Jamaica for almost 30
years, which allowed him to interface with
various members of the farming commu-
nity. Today, he owns his own farm that pro-
duces a myriad of crops and is the largest
sugar cane producer in St. Elizabeth.
Minister Clarke has had a successful
political career, having won eight elections
comprising two Local Government and six
General Elections. In 1986 he was elected
Councillor for the Balaclava division in St.
Elizabeth, and was nominated Mayor of
Black River and Chairman of the St. Eliz-
abeth Parish Council.
He was subsequently re-elected in the
1990 Local Government Election where he
continued as Mayor. Mr. Clarke also
served a four year period as President of
the Local Government Authorities from
1988 to 1991.
He went on to a bigger political stage in
1991 when he was elected Member of Par-
liament for North East St. Elizabeth in a
by-election. Three months into the job, he
was promoted in early 1992 to State Min-
ister for Agriculture; a position he held for
three years and by 1995 he was appointed
Minister of Local Government and Works.
By 1998, he was back in familiar terri-
tory serving as Minister of Agriculture. He
served as Minister of Agriculture for some
ten years and during that period was one of
the founding members of the Alliance of
Ministers of Agriculture for CARICOM,
and served as its chairman for many years.
On January 6, 2012, Mr. Clarke was re-
appointed Minister of Agriculture and
Fisheries. He has identified as his top pri-
orities enhancing Jamaicas food security,
to make farming profitable and rural de-
velopment as areas of particular interest.
He has served in several capacities in
the Peoples National Party and is currently
Vice President Emeritus since 2003.
Mr. Clarke died on August 28, 2014,
leaving widow Sonia and two children.
The humble politician and farmer
Roger Clarke during an address in parliament
8 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
HON ROGER HAROLD CLIFFORD CLARKE, JUNE 11, 1940 - AUGUST 28, 2014
By Athaliah Reynolds-Baker
M
embers of the Upper House
paid tribute to the late Min-
ister of Agriculture and Fisheries,
Roger Clarke, on September 12,
remembering him as an excep-
tional Jamaican.
Minister Clarke died on Au-
gust 28, while returning to the is-
land from the United States, where
he had gone for back surgery.
Government Senator and
President of the Jamaica Agricul-
tural Society (JAS), Senator Nor-
man Grant, said the late
Agriculture Minister will be re-
membered as a man completely
dedicated to public service.
Members of the Upper House
paid tribute to the late Minister of
Agriculture and Fisheries, Roger
Clarke, on September 12, remem-
bering him as an exceptional Ja-
maican.
Minister Clarke died on Au-
gust 28, while returning to the is-
land from the United States, where
he had gone for back surgery.
Government Senator and
President of the Jamaica Agricul-
tural Society (JAS), Senator Nor-
man Grant, said the late
Agriculture Minister will be re-
membered as a man completely
dedicated to public service, agri-
cultural expansion and integrated
rural development. He was a de-
fender of the powerless, a hard
working and committed Parlia-
mentarian, stalwart, and of course,
an agricultural hero and a cham-
pion farmer, Mr. Grant said.
The JAS President said Ja-
maica has lost a true veteran
leader, who worked for the greater
good of those he served the
farmers and the people of Jamaica.
Former Minister of Agricul-
ture and Opposition Senator,
Robert Montague, described Mr.
Clarke as a beloved brother.
Roger Clarke was larger than
life. He was affable and funny, yet
he was also an intellectual, he
said.
Let us give thanks for his
life as we pay tribute, as we eulo-
gized him and speak to the treas-
ured memories. Let us give thanks
for his life and the privilege of
knowing him.
Roger, like all of us had his
faults, he was not perfect, he was
weighed and found wanting, he
was measured and found short,
but he, thank God, based on what
he said, of the changes he had
made in his life, I am thoroughly
convinced and sincerely believe,
that he has mounted on wings of
the eagle, has been placed in the
angels arms and now rests with
the savior.
Dedication to Agriculture and Rural Development
Norman Grant
JAS president
Robert Montague Former Minister of Agriculture
points to Minister Clarkes funeral programme
Farmers Almanac 2015
order your copies- 923-7471
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 9
HON ROGER HAROLD CLIFFORD CLARKE, JUNE 11, 1940 - AUGUST 28, 2014
Hundreds
Bid Farewell to
Roger Clarke
By Sharon Earle, JIS
H
undreds of persons paid their final respects to late Agriculture and Fisheries Min-
ister, Roger Clarke, during Saturdays (September 13) Official Funeral Service
held at St. Georges Anglican Church, in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.
Governor-General, Patrick Allen, who read the First Lesson; Prime Minister,
Portia Simpson Miller, who paid tribute to her former Cabinet colleague; and Oppo-
sition Leader, Andrew Holness, who read the Second Lesson, headed persons from a
wide cross-section of the society, and overseas, who attended, to lend support to the
late Parliamentarians family, and bid farewell to one of Jamaicas political stalwarts.
Others dignitaries attending included: former Prime Ministers P.J. Patterson,
and Bruce Golding; Senate President, Floyd Morris; Government Ministers from Ja-
maica and overseas, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Anglican Suffragan Bishop of Kingston, Robert Thompson, headed the nine
clergymen officiating at the service. They included Clarkes former Cabinet col-
league, current Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites.
In her tribute, Simpson Miller hailed Mr. Clarke hailed as the peoples friend
and a one of a kind politician..the farmers Minister and exemplary son of the
soil.
The Prime Minister recounted fond memories of the man whom she said had an
embedded vision of a new Jamaica, and spent his years in public life doing all he
could to assist in fulfilling that dream.
Patterson eulogized Clarke as one who proved to be even larger in death than
life, based on the overwhelming outpouring of responses and sentiments expressed
by well wishers.
The Cabinet has lost the wisdom of one who fully understood the psyche of the
common man. He is a fine example of the coherent, integrated life in which personal
attributes, life history, skills, opportunity, and a decision to give political service have
all come together to uplift the Jamaican people, the former Prime Minister said.
In their tribute, Clarkes brother, Winston Clarke, and daughter-in-law, Helene
Whitehorne-Clarke, reminisced on the late Ministers love for family and country.
They recalled his humorous canters, kindness, discipline, and his commitment to
family.
Tributes were also paid by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry; Councillor Paul Wilson of the Westmoreland
Parish Council; Mayor of Black River, St. Elizabeth, Councillor Everton Fisher; Op-
position Member of Parliament, Karl Samuda; and Water, Land, Environment, and
Climate Change Minister, Robert Pickersgill, in his capacity as Chairman of the Peo-
ples National Party (PNP), of which Clarke was a member.
In his sermon, Pastor of the Gregory Park Baptist Church in St. Catherine, Karl
Henlin, encouraged Clarkes family and the wider congregation to trust in God re-
gardless of prevailing or impending uncertainties and challenges.
Clarke, who was 74 years old at the time of his passing, died on Thursday Au-
gust 28 in the United States where he underwent successful back surgery.
He fell ill at Miami International Airport as he awaited a home-bound flight, and
later died in a Florida hospital where he was admitted, from what medical personnel
indicated was a heart attack.
Clarke, who also served as Mayor of Black River as well as Member of Parlia-
ment for North East St. Elizabeth and Central Westmoreland, is the second govern-
ment minister to die while in office during Jamaicas post independent era, following
Prime Minister Donald Sangster, in 1967.
Jamaica has lost
one of its finest sons
O
pposition Spokesman on Agri-
culture, Mr. William JC
Hutchinson, says: "With Roger's
passing, Jamaica has lost one of its
finest sons. Roger Clarke was a
champion of the agricultural sector
and contributed significantly to its
development, both as Minister and
as a farmer in his own right."
"It was a pleasure working
with Roger over the years. While
we had differing views on a number
of issues, we always enjoyed a good
working relationship." Mr. Hutchin-
son went on to say that Minister
Clarke was one of those persons
who was always approachable and
solutions oriented.
Mr. Hutchinson said: "Roger
has made a significant contribution
to the Jamaican political process,
and his love for the Jamaican peo-
ple could never be questioned.
Canute Saddler (2nd l), his wife and other
agriculturalists at Roger Clarkes funeral
A one of a kind
politician
P
rime Minister Portia Simpson
Miller noted that Mr. Clarke
distinguished himself as an out-
standing parliamentarian, a repre-
sentative of the people, who was
sincere and humble, a Minister of
Government par excellence, and a
one of a kind politician.
She noted further that his con-
tributions to the House were always
informative, insightful and ground
breaking.
We remember the life and
service of an important pillar of the
Government of Jamaica. His self-
less service to the people reminds
me that Roger never asked what his
country could do for him. Roger
was always eager to know what he
could do for Jamaica and for the Ja-
maican people, Mrs. Simpson
Miller said.
She noted that Mr. Clarke
brought his immense theoretical
knowledge and unrivalled practical
understanding to the art of gover-
nance.
A keen advocate
for his constituents
O
pposition Leader, Andrew
Holness, marks the passing of
Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke
with great regret and sadness.
Mr. Holness says: "The politi-
cal landscape in Jamaica has lost
one of its finest servants with the
passing of Minister Clarke. He was
a man who dedicated himself to
serving the people of Jamaica, the
agriculture sector in particular, and
he did so in a commendable man-
ner.
"I have many fond personal
memories of Minister Clarke, both
inside and outside Gordon House.
Roger, quite frankly, was the most
affable politician known to me. It
was through his incredible wit and
humour that he was able to bring us
back to humanity and civility in
even the most contentious situa-
tions.
PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, PRIME MINISTER
ANDREW HOLNESS, OPPOSITION LEADER
He demonstrated
leadership
O
n behalf of the Government
and people of the United States
we express sincere condolences to
Minister Clarkes family, and the
government and people of Jamaica.
Minister Clarke led Jamaicas
agricultural sector with experience,
deep knowledge and awareness of a
field that he loved. The U.S. De-
partment of Agriculture and the
United States Agency for Interna-
tional Development (USAID/Ja-
maica) worked very closely with
Minister Clarke and his team.
We are deeply saddened to
learn of the sudden passing of Ja-
maicas Minister of Agriculture and
Fisheries, Roger Clarke. On behalf
of the Government and people of
the United States we express sin-
cere condolences to Minister
Clarkes family, and the govern-
ment and people of Jamaica.
JC HUTCHINSON - OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN ON AGRICULTURE
CHARG DAFFAIRES, U.S. EMBASSY KINGSTON
An undying love
for the people
I
t is with shock and sadness that I
learnt of the recent passing of the
Honourable Roger Clarke, Minis-
ter of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Roger Clarke had an undying
love for the people of Jamaica and
demonstrated this through his
stewardship as Councillor of the
Balaclava Division and later as
Mayor of Black River.
This love for country and peo-
ple also motivated his effective
service as Member of Parliament,
Minister of Local Government and
Minister of Agriculture, as well as
Vice President of his party.
Mr. Clarke will be greatly
missed by all of us who will for-
ever remember his winsome per-
sonality, ready wit, humility and
kindheartedness. We shall always
recall his commitment to building
agriculture and his conviction that
the sector could be the key to un-
lock economic opportunities for
Jamaica.
PATRICK ALLEN, GOVERNOR-GENERAL
10 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
HON ROGER CLARKE - JUNE 11, 1940 - AUGUST 28, 2014
Homage to a dear colleague and
friend, Hon. Roger Clarke, C.D. MP
I
t was with deep sadness that the Board of Directors and staff of the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries learnt of the death of the Hon. Minister, Roger Clarke, a stalwart Minister of the Ministry of Agri-
culture and Fisheries.
His leadership and guidance provided direction that emphasized the practical developmental roles of the JDDB. Subse-
quently, he nurtured the continued development of the Board to the institution it is today. Minister Clarke had a vision to widen
the remit of the Board to that of a Livestock Board; determination of the feasibility of so doing was underway at the time of his
passing. The Board and Jamaicas dairy farmers will be eternally grateful to Minister Clarkes efforts in supporting the Board
and its continued evolution.
His love for the community of farmers in Jamaica and the agricultural sector generally, is undeniable. This is confirmed by
the many honours and accolades conferred on him and the numerous accomplishments attributed to him, by the practitioners
and institutions within the sector. A man of the soil, a jovial, charming and unpretentious patriot of the nation, Minister Clarkes
spirit will continue to live on in our hearts, with his life being a paradigm worthy of emulation.
We have lost a friend and colleague who always worked towards the common goal of improving Jamaicas agriculture. He
was a visionary, philosopher, friend, guide and sage to the many people whose lives and careers he influenced, and a man of
commitment to his mission and vision. We will all miss Minister Clarke.
To the family, friends and colleagues of Minister Clarke, we express our deepest sympathy.
We share in your loss, hoping that you will find the strength to overcome this trying period of bereavement.
May his soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon him!
A Tribute from the Jamaica Dairy Development Board
The Board of Directors and Staff
Jamaica Dairy Development Board
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
Tel. # 618-7107
Fax # 977-9230
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 11
12 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
Remembering
HON ROGER CLARKE, CD
JUNE 1940 - AUGUST 2014
T
he management and staff of Isratech Jamaica Limited
wish to express their sincere condolences to the family,
friends, farmers and colleagues of the late Hon Roger
Clarke. Mr Clarke was indeed a true friend of the farmers
and we salute him for his outstanding contribution to the
growth and development of Jamaican agriculture.
May his soul rest in peace!
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 13
______________________________________________________________________________
The members, management and staff of the All Island Banana Growers Association Limited
are deeply saddened by the passing of our Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Roger Clarke.
He was a true friend of the banana farmers and we will always cherish his genuine
dedication and commitment to the development of the banana industry.
WALK GOOD OUR FRIEND!
ALL ISLAND BANANA GROWERS ASSOCIATION LTD.
10 South Avenue, Kingston 4
922-5497 aibga@cwjamaica.com www.iabga.info
The late Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke (centre, seated), and Head, European
Union (EU) Delegation in Jamaica, Ambassador Paola Amadei (right, seated), exchange signed copies
of the $660 million (4.73 million) EU-funded Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) contract, at
Tuesdays (November 12) signing ceremony at the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, Hope Gardens,
in St. Andrew. Over 1,400 banana and plantain farmers will benefit from provisions under the four-
year funding programme.
A true friend of the banana farmers!
14 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
IN TRIBUTE TO
HON ROGER CLARKE
JUNE 1940 - AUGUST 2014
The relationship between agriculture and bauxite
mining had special meaning to him. He saw both
industries working together in a combined effort
to provide maximum benefits for farmers as well
as those who mined the lands. As such, he always
valued the extraordinary efforts made to
rehabilitate and utilize mined out lands
for agricultural use
In one of his last partnership ventures with No-
randa Jamaica Bauxite Partners the Hon. Roger
Clarke cuts the ribbon on February 21, 2014, to
mark the official open ing of a greenhouse in the
Noranda greenhouse technology programme, and
the launch of an industry wide greenhouse ex-
pansion project.
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2014 THE AGRICULTURALIST 15
16 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2014 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM