The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) celebrates its 24th anniversary as a non-profit NGO in November 2013.
The Center wishes to sincerely thank all of its Friends and Well-wishers, Colleagues, Volunteers and Dedicated Staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the years to ensure that the Center is the premium training institution for youth and women in Antigua and Barbuda, that it is today.
During its 24 years of existence, the GARD Center has trained over 3000 persons in many diverse fields of interest, including enterprise training, skills training in soap crafting, solar drying, tanning, backyard gardening, handicraft, tractor driving, yacht maintenance, plumbing, computer literacy, farming, farm tourism, agro-forestry, beekeeping, weaving of textiles, and many more. The Center has also maintained outreach programs to meet the needs of special groups such as persons living with HIV/AIDS, unemployed women, youth at risk, persons living with disabilities, NGOs and community based groups (CBOs). These programs have traditionally been for both young males and females.
Celebrate with us all throughout November and make a special donation to the UMC Giving Tuesday, 3 December 2013.
Click here to find out more. Donate
Additional Training for GARD Center Trainees
Six trainees from the GARD Center had an opportunity for further training when they were accepted into Sandals Cooperation University Hospitality Training Programme.
Aldina Whyte, Merlisa Harris, Shauna Spencer, Kimmeisha Tonge, Kerricia Parker and Lorina Evans unleashed their potential to build themselves when they successfully completed six (6) weeks of training. Following the training, four gained employment within the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort.
FAO Regional Meeting on Public Policies for Rural Women, Santo Domingo, October 2013
The GARD Center was invited by the FAO to present a summary of the situation of women in Antigua and Barbuda at the recently concluded Regional Meeting on Public Policies for Rural Women: Economic Independence, rights and fight against hunger.
The one day meeting focused on women in Latin America and the Caribbean and the need to set policies which affect rural women in the agriculture sector. Much discussion was had on what a rural woman is, who should be considered a rural woman and the perimeters of rural zones.
Discussions were also held on the use of technology to improve agriculture and agricultural practices and the role governments need to play to assist rural women in agriculture. Access to water, seeds and markets were all areas that were highlighted as being relevant to a rural woman’s success in agriculture. These were considered areas in which the government could assist greatly.
The meeting ended with a cultural event showcasing the food, dance, music and culture of the Santo Dominican people. It was a wonderful way to end the talks.
All in all, strides were made to ensure that measures are being taken to ensure the women’s place in Agriculture is improved throughout the region.
The Center was represented by Ms. Kareem Francis, Project Manager.
Camp GROW Slideshow
Some images of our campers and the work that went on during Camp GROW 2013!
GARD Center represented at Denbigh Agricultural Trade Show
On August 2nd 2013 Jermaine Paul was selected by the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) to represent them at the prestigious annual Denbigh Agricultural Trade show in Jamaica. The Denbigh Show is the oldest, largest and most dynamic Agricultural Industrial and Food Show in the English Speaking Caribbean which has become a benchmark for showcasing agriculture at its finest. Denbigh 2013 provided an opportunity for patrons and participants to be exposed to modern trends in agriculture and its related industries. This event celebrated its 61st anniversary, from 4 – 6 August, under the theme, “Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow.”
Denbigh showed different facets in relation to agriculture, to include a number of Financing Institutions providing general information to famers and the general public that was in attendance, Hardware stores displaying their tools and equipment. There were also Tech Companies, some showing their latest development in regards to multifunctioning software to assist farmers.
Mr. Paul travelled with produce of 10 lbs of butternut squash, 5 lbs of green bell peppers, 10 lbs of Zucchini and 10 lbs of cucumbers and was able to sell all of his produce. A surprising thought was that of the 200 plus persons who visited the booth, only a handful knew what the butternut squash was. Of that handful only one (1) actually lived in Jamaica. Below is the a picture of the young lady from Jamaica who guessed correctly only because she was up the night before doing some research and came across it.
Also during the Jamaica trip, Mr. Paul had the opportunity to meet with young Agriprenuers like himself, Mr. Martin Clarke from Barbados; Mr. Gooden, Ms. Stacey-Ann Brown and Mr. St. Claire all of Jamaica and are beneficiaries of the Jamaica Youth Business Trust.
Mr. Paul made several new business contacts not only from Jamaica but with persons who live in the region and attended the show. A lot of information was exchanged and business prospects look promising. This trip was made possible by sponsorship from the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Youth Entrepreneurship. A very special thank you is extended to this organization for continuing to support and promote the youth of our region.
