Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness. – Act 14: 7
WHEN ONE DRIVES through certain rural parts of Barbados, especially in St John, what does one see? Most of the plantations, if not all, are in grass and bush and those lands are good agricultural land which in the 70s produced sugar cane, yams, potatoes etc.
I can still remember when Barbados produced over 200 000 tonnes of sugar. Also, each parish had its own sugar factory.
What is wrong with agriculture in Barbados these days? Is it because of too much PHD involvement? No, I’m not referring to the Pine Hill Dairy, but those with doctorates. I know of some very good planters out there without PhDs that are doing a good job.
Eustace Craigg, manager of the Easy Hall, Blackmans, Andrews and Fisherpond plantations, has just completed planting the 2018 sugar crop (young canes) of over 150 acres and his brother, Clyde Craigg, manager of the Carrington, Chapel and Woodbourne, has just planted over 200 acres of sugar cane for the same crop. That is good for the industry.
These plantations are all members of Barbados Sugar Industry Ltd. They are all managers without PhDs, but they have over 30 years of experience. As far as I am concerned, agriculture is a hands-on industry and not only a book industry. At the moment the Barbados Agricultural Management Company is bringing back into production some of the idle land around Barbados; another good sign.
Most of the land in St John which has goneto waste is owned by CLICO. Why is it not handedover to the Barbados Sugar Industry Ltd, becausewe have to do something to put the idle lands backinto production.
Family brunch
The All Souls Church and friends will hold a family brunch and fun day tomorrow at the church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fellowship day
The Anglican Diocesan Fellowship Day will take place on Sunday at Farley Hill, St Peter at 10 a.m. It will start with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed by an inspirational afternoon of songs and praise from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional parking will be provided at Welch Town Plantation.
Luncheons
• The St Matthias Anglican Church, in celebration of the nation’s 50th anniversary, will hold its luncheon on Sunday, November 13, at Sea Rocks Dome, Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church at 12:30 p.m.
• The St Martin’s Anglican Church will hold its annual luncheon on Sunday, November 20, at the Barbados Workers’ Union Labour College, Mangrove, St Philip at 12:30 p.m.
• The St Patrick’s Anglican Church will hold a pre-Independence family luncheon on Sunday, at the Ivan Harewood Centre, Christ Church Parish Church auditorium from 12 p.m.
Barbecue karaoke
The Cathedral Church of St Michael All Angels will be holding its 50th anniversary of Independence barbecue and karaoke on Friday, November 18, at The Deanery, Welches, St Michael from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Youth concert
The Moravian Youth Council will hold its annual concert and jamboree on Saturday, November 12, on the grounds of Bethlehem Moravian Church, Maxwell, Christ Church at 6 p.m.
Harvest festivals
The Sharon Moravian Church harvest festival will be held on Sunday, November 13 at 3:30 pm. The Bethlehem Church’s harvest will be held on November 20 at 3:30 pm.
Patronal festivals
• The St Leonard’s Church will hold its patronal festival next week with weeknight services at 7:30.
• The St Martin’s Church will hold its patronal festival next week as well. On Sunday, festal evensong will be at 6 p.m. and services on Wednesday and Friday will be at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, November 12, will be the Twelve Tribes Rally from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The All Saints Church patronal festival will continue today at 7:30 p.m. with evensong and procession. Tomorrow will be a fun and fitness evening on the rectory grounds, St Peter from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Death
It is with deep regret that we learnt of the death on Sunday of Daphlyn Browne of Butcher’s Gap, Sweet Bottom, St George.
She was the retired principal of the AnnHill School and sister of Desmond Browne, retired principal of The Lodge School and the St Leonard’s Boys’ School. This column expresses its sympathy to her brother and sisters and all members of the Browne and Hoyte families. May she rest in Christ and rise in glory.
