The GARD Center is extremely pleased to have received sponsorship for this year’s Farm-to-Table fundraiser event.
Our principal sponsor for the 3rd annual Luncheon was the James and Maginley Charity & Care Foundation. We welcomed their extended contribution to the Center this year, by donating cutlery and crockery to assist us with the up-scaling of this event.
Once again, this event was held under the auspices of the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, at the GARD Center’s Agro-Nature Park, Mercer’s Creek.
This year we had more Chefs, and Producers involved. These people were responsible for the expanded and wider mouth-watering menu.
Sincere thanks and appreciation are given to the James and Maginley Charity & Care Foundation and to all of those who patronised this event.
We look forward to welcoming you to our 4th annual Farm-to-Table luncheon and invite you to bring a Friend.
Category Archives: Agriculture
Congratulations to Our Recent Graduates
The GARD Center recently held a Graduation Ceremony, on Thursday, 8 December 2016, at the Methodist Church Hall, St. Mary’s Street.
77 graduates successfully completed their courses of study and received certificates in Information Communication Technology, Customer Service, Business Management and Yacht Maintenance. 4 from the ICT class, 17 from Business Management, 19 in Customer Service and 37 from Yacht Maintenance.
The ICT, Business Management and Customer Service trainees paid their own way to take these courses and deserve an extra nod of approval for making this step towards advancing their skills and knowledge in these difficult economic times but staying focused and seeing it through to the end.
This year our donor partners are the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) and the UK aid from the British people which all forms part of a larger project within the CARICOM Education for Employment (C-EFE) throughout the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda form a part of a collation of three other Caribbean countries to achieve training in the Marine sector. These countries are St. Lucia and Grenada of which St. Lucia is the lead country. This project is managed by a publicly supported Canadian college called the Cegepe, which facilitated the development of a curriculum for the accreditation of YM program to be offered by the GARD Center.
The GARD Center and the National Training Agency (NTA) have always had a good working relationship and it is through the partnership with the NTA the Center was introduced to our donor partners in this Youth Skills Development Programme. The NTA knowing the track record of the GARD Center recommended that we be the training facility to manage the programme, considering we had conducted several other training courses in Yacht Maintenance.
The Center also used this opportunity to recognise and honour 27 of our Tutors, who have volunteered and worked with us over the twenty-seven years of our existence.
The following is an email received from one of our esteemed Tutors, please read his comments.
“I have admired the tremendous work that, over the years, the GARD Centre has produced and the wonderful successes that it has had in providing assistance to Antigua and Barbuda’s young people and especially for young women at risk.
In my view one of the most significant things about the GARD programmes, has been its holistic approach, in which it has addressed in its training, not only to the technical or business needs of its students, but also to the spiritual and human relations needs as well. Sometimes, this has been at great cost to the staff in terms of playing a variety of supportive roles, not only as teachers, but as mentors, Big sisters, parents, financial advisers, legal counsel – the list could go on almost indefinitely. Most teaching organisations do not take such a comprehensive responsibility for their students’ success and development.
I have also to say that your vision, energy and drive have been so important to the successes of the GARD Centre. I was around enough during earlier times to know that trials and tribulations that you had to go through and the tenacity you displayed in getting the present building from Minister St Luce – you were like a bull dog – visiting Public Works every day to keep them from doing someone else’s bidding!
It has been a privilege working with you and if and when you do decide to “retire”, I know that you can be proud of what you have accomplished and happy for all those young women and men whose lives have been enriched by their studies at The GARD Centre. I truly hope that the Methodist Church also appreciates the enormous contribution the Centre has made to the nations youth and the Church’s ministry.
When I started this email/letter of acknowledgement, I did not intend to say all this, but we don’t often get the opportunity to talk these days, I think we both seem to be busier than ever and it seemed very good opportunity for me to express the pleasure and satisfaction that I have experienced in working with you and the Centre, watching it grow from strength to strength!“
Food Safety Training Courses – Covering the What, Why, and Who!
“Food Safety” is a complex issue that has an impact on all segments of society from the general public to government, industry and academia” (Bad Bug Book: Handbook of Foodborne Pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins).
What is Food Safety? Food safety involves the safe handling of food from production to consumption. Since contamination of food is possible at any point in the food chain – at the farm/producer level to the consumer, procedures must be put in place to ensure that the food consumed is safe.
Why is Food Safety Important? Food borne illnesses affect both the general public and at-risk populations (elderly, children, immuno-compromised persons for example). Many events of food poisoning may go unreported. These events may be mild while others may lead to death in vulnerable persons. In theory, food poisoning is 100% preventable.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
HACCP is a management system in which Food Safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.
HACCP provides businesses with a cost effective system for control of Food Safety. The preventive approach to HACCP not only improves Food Safety management but also complements other quality systems.
Any company involved in the manufacturing, processing or handling of food products can use HACCP to minimise or eliminate food safety hazards in their products. HACCP is a legal requirement in many countries BUT WHEREVER IN THE WORLD, HACCP WILL BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS.
The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) now has the service of certified HACCP trainers and offers training in basic food safety techniques and in the principles of HACCP. Help is now available to develop and implement your prerequisite programs and HACCP systems.
REMEMBER………………………………..HACCP:
Saves your business money in the long run
Avoids you poisoning your customers
Food safety standards increase
Ensures that you are compliant (with the law)
Food quality standards increase
Organises your process to produce safe food
Organises your staff, promoting teamwork and efficiency
Due diligence defence in Court (Food Safety Authority of Ireland)
LANDSCAPING SERVICES
Landscaping Services
For the best in lawn care, Tree Removal, assistance in developing and maintaining your back yard gardens.
Contact the GARD Center today at 463-4121/562-0084 to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified Ground Maintenance Technicians.
Support a Worthy Cause.
In Need of Your Prayers
A member of the GARD Center’s ‘extended family’ was involved in an accident on 3 June 2016, and has been hospitalised in an induced coma.
Mr. Stephen Samuel, is one of the Center’s main Yacht Maintenance training course Facilitators. Please pray for the full recovery and overall health of Mr. Samuel. Pray also for the strength of his family during this very difficult time.
Thank you for your continued support and best wishes.
UPDATE – JAY PETERS MATTER
The GARD Center wishes to thank the many persons – Board members, family members, volunteers, tutors, graduates, Friends of GARD Center, who have rallied around our staff member, Mr. Jay Peters, our Operational Foreman. Thank you for your prayers and overwhelming support, during this difficult time.
We know that we have an awesome and powerful God, who will ensure that justice prevails.
The GARD Center continues its important work with providing vulnerable youth with a second chance and stands by its staff, who continue to show passion, commitment and love for this important work.
Farm-to-Table 2016
The GARD Center presents its 2nd annual Farm-to-Table Luncheon, under the patronage of His Excellency, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams.
This year the Center wishes to announce our Official Sponsor, the James & Maginley Charity and Care Foundation
This fundraiser event will be held on Saturday, 16 April 2016. It will be held at the Gilbert Agro Heritage Center, Mercers Creek.
Luncheon will be served from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. It is a sit-down affair.
Antigua’s most exquisite and unique outdoor dining experience!
Come and Enjoy a delicious meal!!! Only FRESH produce used – from Farm to Table
Live entertainment, complimentary food samples, Chinese auction and more.
Adult tickets cost EC$100.00, and children under 12 years pay EC$40.00.
SEE YOU THERE!!!
The GARD Center can be contacted at 463-4121 / 562-0084 for more details. Watch the video below.
https://youtu.be/vBgHH35JUFg
Sponsorship for Farm-to-Table Fundraiser
The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) has been blessed with sponsorship from the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation, for its 2nd Annual, and major fundraiser event.
This year’s event will be held under the patronage of His Excellency, Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams.
The Handover Ceremony was held in the recently constructed training facility which was donated by the People of Japan, at the GARD Center, Agro-heritage Center, on Thursday, 3 March 2016, 3:30pm.
The brief Ceremony was opened in Prayer by Rev. Patmore Henry, Secretary to the Methodist Conference. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Colin C. James CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
Remarks were offered by Mrs. Roberta Williams, Executive Director, GARD Center, as well as by Ambassador Casroy James and Mr. Kirthley Maginley, Directors of the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation.
Remarks were also offered by Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, Consultant to the Ministry of Tourism, in the absence of Hon. Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy.
Unveiling of the Poster, which signaled the launch of the 2nd Annual Farm-to-Table Event was Mrs. Ann Jonas, Private Secretary to His Excellency, Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams.
The James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation is a non-profit charity, established in January, 2016. Its founders are Ambassador Casroy James and Mr. Kirthley Maginley, co-principals of James and Maginley Ltd.
The primary mission of the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation is to improve the lives and well-being of the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, particularly, those most vulnerable.
Japanese Completion Ceremony
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 February 2016, it was official. The Embassy of Japan handed over the Skills Training facility to the GARD Center. This project was graciously funded through the Grass-roots Human Security Project (GGP), entitled “The Project for Extension of a Skill Training Center for Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center”
The Completion Ceremony was held on site at the Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center (GARD Center), Nature Park, Mercers Creek, Antigua and Barbuda.
The grant from the Government of Japan for the extension of their Skills Development Center which seeks to enhance the existing training and development activities offered, while also providing increased opportunities for vulnerable youth in Antigua and Barbuda. The amount donated was US$100,525.00.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Takafumi Ura, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Mrs. Roberta Williams, Executive Director, Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center, and His Excellency Anthony Liverpool, Director General of Foreign Affairs who offered remarks. Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Casroy James, also attended the ceremony along with other invited guests and media representatives.
In his speech, Mr. Ura highlighted that as “the Government of Japan continues to assist small island states in overcoming vulnerabilities, I believe the Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center’s contribution to youth and female empowerment, along with their support for improved food security in rural communities, can boost the entrepreneurial capabilities throughout the twin island, therefore impacting on the reduction rate of unemployment and producing more self-reliant and productive individuals.”
He continued, the “Government of Japan is very pleased that we can assist the Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center in this endeavour.”
Parks and Recreation Ground Maintenance Technician Training Course
Fifteen (15) young unemployed men and women are undergoing training to become Parks and Recreation Ground Maintenance Technicians at the GARD Center. This is a new course designed by the Center to create a pool of qualified technicians who understand and have the technical know how and practical experience in the management and care of plants; trail blazing techniques; pruning and grafting; minor carpentry skills; composting; pest control; lawn care and operation of landscape equipment.
The GARD Center was contracted by the Labour Department to execute this small works project under their Temporary Employment Program. The trainees are at the Gilbert Agro-heritage Center which will be opening to the general public over the next 5-6 months. The Mill Reef Fund has also contributed monies for this agricultural training course which is greatly appreciated. The Mill Reef Fund has been over the past years a gold sponsor for Camp GROW which is a collaborative effort between the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) and the Center. This camp exposes and provides young people between the ages of 8-11 years with an appreciation for the environment and the importance of agriculture
These future Parks and Recreation Ground Maintenance Technicians will be a great asset to hotel ground maintenance programs, home owners, businesses and other facilities. The GARD Center is very pleased to partner with the Labour Department and the Mill Reef Fund in this effort to offer the unemployed better opportunities through skills training.
