Denbigh showcases farmers’ recovery from Beryl
Published:Monday | August 4, 2025 | 9:05 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer -
Stakeholders are lauding the perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Jamaica’s farmers as the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show returned to its traditional three-day format, following a scaled-down event in 2024 because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.
Organised by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), the 71st staging of the longest-running agricultural exhibition in the English-speaking Caribbean was held under the theme: ‘A New Era: Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience, Securing Our Future’.
Last year’s event was reduced to a single-day staging as the island grappled with widespread flooding, infrastructural damage, and agricultural loss in the wake of Hurricane Beryl in July. Members of the JAS have cited the return to a full-scale showcase this year as a triumphant resurgence for the farming community.
At Friday’s official opening ceremony, held at the President’s Pavilion, the JAS’ Chief Executive Officer Derron Grant reflected on the difficult road to recovery.
“Last year, many thought we could not have the Denbigh Agricultural Show, because, the month before the staging of the event, we had Hurricane Beryl and, before Hurricane Beryl, we had consistent rainfall, a tropical storm, then continuous rainfall.”
He added: “But, by December of that year, the farmers bounced back and we were able to produce, and continue to produce, and we must commend the hardworking farmers of Jamaica.”
JAS President Owen Dobson also commended the farming community’s fortitude:
“Hurricane Beryl [dampened] our spirits, [but] we were able to come out on top, and this year, we are showing that we have built back stronger.”
May Pen Mayor Joel Williams also praised the determination of farmers, describing them as a resilient and vital force in the country’s recovery efforts.
Among those in attendance were Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Custos Rotulorum of Clarendon, Edith Chin, who brought greetings on behalf of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.
With livestock competitions, parish pavilions, cultural villages, horticultural displays, and nightly entertainment, patrons were out in their numbers to enjoy the festivities.
Denbigh’s first day of festivities commenced on Friday and concluded with the ‘Denbigh Good Vibes Retro Party’ – a vibrant celebration capping off the day’s formal proceedings.