Melvin Aries, RADA parish Manager for Clarendon, addresses students and teachers. Beside him is Member of Parliament Richard Azan. - George Henry

Twenty two primary, all-age and high schools in the Clarendon North West constituency are now benefiting from cash and equipment, presented by Member of Parliament Richard Azan through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), to start or to improve school-gardening programmes in an effort to encourage students to get into agriculture.

Azan made the presentation recently at the Spaldings United Church Hall in front of a packed audience comprising students, teachers, RADA Clarendon representatives and representatives from the 4H movement in Clarendon.

must be registered

Azan pointed out that schools benefiting from funds allocated must be registered with the Clarendon 4H movement because he wants that group to start doing better than other parishes.

"What I am doing is to give these schools a start. I am making sure that during this new financial year that the schools that show that they are doing something are supported. No school is being given any funds to put in any account. You are getting the money to ensure that work is done," said the MP.

He said although schools will be closed in a few weeks' time for summer holidays, students can do some amount of gardening before the impending closure. He wants schools to plan their agricultural projects properly before informing RADA as to what the funds will be spent on.

"We are starting off with $800,000 and, maybe, we might have to do an additional amount based on discussions with the RADA Clarendon parish manager. However, as it relates to the high schools, we are going to give them a little extra," said Azan.

He pointed out that schools such as Spalding High, Alston High and Thompson Town High received assistance last year with their chicken project. However, the MP added that these schools will be given extra funds this year so they can continue with their poultry project.

RADA parish Manager for Clarendon Melvin Aries said he was elated to be working with MP Azan to assist with agriculture projects in schools in the North West Clarendon constituency.

"RADA is willing to work with the schools so that we can encourage the young people to get involved in agriculture," said Aries.

4H officer in charge of Clarendon Erick Green also pledged his support for the school-gardening projects in the constituency.