‘Denbigh 68’ returns with a bang!

The Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show came back from a two-year break due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It took place in May Pen, Clarendon from Saturday 30 July to Monday, 1 August (Emancipation Day). According to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), it has been hailed as the ‘bounce back’ Denbigh by Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr.

There were many security personnel on site to direct guests to parking areas and ticket booths, and inside the venue, several sanitization stations were erected, with masks required for entry into some sections of the event.

Patrons, young and old, were out in their numbers visiting booths, viewing displays, making purchases, and participating in various activities and challenges throughout the three days. Despite the COVID-19 protocols, Denbigh was an eventful and fun expose that mirrored the exciting years before “and shows why it has been a staple on the agriculture sector’s calendar for 68 years,” JIS. In addition, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Lenworth Fulton, said that the event showcases “the true atmosphere, love and warmth of our Jamaican farmers and their commitment to food security.”

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Winston Simpson, added that this year’s execution “is indeed a good look”, especially coming out of the pandemic. “Even when we had good days going previously, it didn’t look so well on the first day,” he pointed out.

Patron, Patricia Felix-Bailey, 66, who first attended Denbigh 50 years ago as a teenager, said the event is now “more organized” than what she remembers in the past.

“There are more persons (exhibitors) participating now than back then; even banks are here to set up accounts. I think more people would want to come to Denbigh now because you can do business here,” noted a usual attendee to the agricultural show.

While Adrian Gordon, a first timer, said he was impressed by the variety of activities for the entire family, including children. “It has a feeling of grand-market with many different, exciting things happening at once so we were never bored,” he shared.

In attendance on the opening day of the show were State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Witter; Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure in the Cayman Islands, Jay Ebanks; United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Nick Perry; and Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture, Lothian Cousins.

‘Denbigh 68’ was held under the theme: ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ and continued Sunday (July 31), with Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen visiting the grounds. A gospel extravaganza took place at 6:00 pm.

While on Emancipation Day, Prime Minister Andrew Holness was in attendance, and the three-day show ended with a Reggae Fest.