Planning for Agrofest

THE organisers of Agrofest are hoping that they will be able to stage the premier agricultural exhibition next year as customary.

In fact, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, says that tentatively the event is still on the cards and the preliminary work has begun. With that in mind, he told The Barbados Advocate that given the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that are currently in place, they have had consultations with the Ministry of Health regarding the type of protocols that would need to be employed to ensure that patrons who attend the usual three-day event, can feel safe and that nothing is done to facilitate the spread of the novel coronavirus.

To that end, he said if all goes well and they are able to stage Agrofest, they are going to ensure that every precaution is taken. He went on to say that given how easily the virus can spread, they are cognisant that there will have to be a measure of social distancing in place to safeguard the health of those attending the event and those who are exhibiting as well.

“It is good to discuss these things early and there are some things that are not debatable like the wearing of masks. I want to make it very clear that we will not compromise on any health standard laid down by the Ministry of Health in terms of holding Agrofest next year,” Paul maintained.

He continued, “We would be insisting on the observance of those protocols and all we would ask therefore is that persons who would be part of that event abide by those health standards.”

His comments came as he said there is growing interest from persons wanting to be part of the event and they are hopeful that the event can be put on. Paul made the point while noting that they have already come up with a theme for the event, and while he remained mum on the details, he indicated that they intend to announce it early in December.

“I think it is a pretty exciting theme and it is very relevant to where we are at the point in time. In the past year, more people have come to rec-ognise the importance of agriculture and we want to take the opportunity to remind Barbadians, the Government and other stakeholders within the private sector that we cannot continue to pay lip service to agriculture, but that it must be given pride of place in terms of developing this country. The sector has proven its worth,” Paul contended.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000