The GARD Center held its inaugural Farm-to-Table Luncheon at the Gilbert Agro-Heritage Center, Mercers Creek, on Saturday, 18 April 2015. This exquisite, unique, outdoor dining experience was enjoyed by over 140 visitors.
This fundraiser planned as part of the Center’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, was aimed at raising money for the continuation of the Center’s operation and to implement subsidized training courses for vulnerable youth.
Delicious local meals were prepared by our local volunteer chefs, Caleb; Jarvis; Simon; Simpson; with local produce grown and supplied by our farmers. Even the centerpieces on the tables were ‘tastefully’ done, and created with locally grown vegetables.
Excellent music was provided by the Cool and Smooth Ebonites Steel Orchestra and DJ Riddim Master.
The Fisheries Division provided tastings of Squid chowder and Conch chowder; Squid patties and Smoked Doctor Fish, much to the delight of everyone who was curious enough to try the various delicacies.
The GARD Center looks forward to hosting its second Farm-to-Table Luncheon, early in 2016, and we look forward to having you join us.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers, advisors, farmers and chefs, who gave so generously of their produce, time and talent. The Center also wishes to thank Corporate Antigua and Barbuda, the Friends of GARD Center, and those who sold and/or purchased tickets, or contributed to this fundraiser in any way.
Category Archives: Nature Center
GARD Center – Japanese Human Security Project
The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center celebrates the Japanese Government Funds Project for Extension of a Skill Training Center in Antigua and Barbuda. This is the second project awarded by the People of Japan to the GARD Center.
The signing ceremony for the Grant Assistance for the Grass-roots Human Security Project (GGP) entitled “The Project for Extension of a Skill Training Center for Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center” took place at 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2015, at Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center (GARD Center), Nature Park, Mercers Creek, Antigua and Barbuda.
Ms. Jacqueline Yearwood, a GARD Center Board Member, was the Master of Ceremonies and extended a warm welcome to those present. The Ceremony was opened with a word of prayer by Rev. Patmore Henry, Secretary, to the Methodist Church. Mrs. Roberta Williams, Executive Director of the Center, spoke about the Background of the Project and remarks were offered by, Rev. Otto Wade, President, Methodist Conference; His Excellency, Anthony Liverpool, Non-Resident Ambassador of Antigua & Barbuda to Japan and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Melford Nicholas, and the Minister of Information, Telecommunications, Science and Technology; along with Mr. Takafumi Ura, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan.
After these speeches, there was a Ground Breaking Ceremony, during which Mr. Ura, Rev. Wade and Mr. Nicholas turned the sod where the new building would be erected.
The Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center received a grant of up to US$100,525 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.
In his speech, Mr. Ura highlighted that “through the compliance and execution of the project initiatives, the programme will have a wider effect through the community and by extension the society. This expansion will allow for overall improvement of the current facilities which can yield better output services provided to these vulnerable students.”
Mr. Ura also stated that the Government of Japan welcomes further opportunities to work with the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, all with a view to strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding which exist between the two countries.
A Healthy and Prosperous 2015
The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) sincerely wishes to thank all of those who have supported our organisation, and assisted our Center in any way over our first twenty five years of existence and we wish to encourage you to continue this journey with us.
The Center started its year long celebrations with a church service on Monday, 8 December 2014, at Ebenezer Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Street, St. John’s. This was followed by a Graduation Ceremony held on 16 December 2014, which was held at the same venue.
Our next activity is a Farm-to-Table event which is planned for April 2015, at the GARD Center Nature Center. This fund raiser showcases our local producers, their products and the chefs who will be on hand to prepare the delicious meals. We cordially invite you to join us at this event.
As our 25th anniversary celebrations continue, we will keep you updated with our events and look forward to having you join us.
Nature Center and Trail Launched
The GARD Center officially opened its Nature Center and Nature Trail on Thursday, 24 April 2014, to its Board Members and Staff.
The brief Ceremony was opened in prayer by Rev. Patmore Henry, Secretary, Methodist Conference and the blessing of the site offered by Rev. Otto Wade, President, Methodist Conference and GARD Center’s Chairman of the Board.
Following, those present were taken on a tour of the Discovery Corner and then walked the shorter part of the three mile trail. The journey of the one-mile trail was quite refreshing in the morning as we observed various plant species and a functioning water tower built during the 1800s.
At left, is a collage of some of the interesting discoveries to be made when guests visit the Nature Center and Trail.
