Dr. Carolyn Hayle, Executive Director of the HEART Trust/NTA led Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Minister of Agriculture Dr. Christopher Tufton on a guided tour of the HEART Trust/NTA booth at the annual Denbigh Agricultural Show, held July 31- August 2, 2010 in Denbigh, Clarendon.

The booth had a rustic theme, utilizing indigenous materials throughout such as bamboo and burlap (crocus bag). There were several activities taking place that held the interest of patrons. The most popular was the aquaponic feature – where plants are grown in a medium that enables them to utilize the nutrient-rich water containing aquatic animal effluent. The HEART aquaponic system featured waste water from fish tanks that fertilizes the aquaponic crops in the soil-less hydroponic lettuce fields. The system won HEART Trust/NTA second and third prizes in the Solid Waste Management and Soil Conservation categories, respectively.

The gardens, with Ebony Park-built water features, were beautifully displayed. The try-a-skill booth saw a host of activities taking place as patrons tried their hand at various styles in napkin folding and food art. The farmers’ market featured attractively displayed fruits, vegetables and ground provisions in food carts, built by Portmore HEART Academy
The hospitality trainees whipped up delicious smoothies and frosty beverages to cool down patrons. Samples of homemade sweet potato and cassava chips served with an assortment of preserves, jams and jellies all made and manufactured at HEART Ebony Park won first , second and third prizes in the Food Technology category.

HEART’s highly skilled livestock farmers got high praises for their rearing and handling of prize winning goats and cows, specially cross bred with international species to produce quality meats. In the island-wide Livestock competition, HEART’s cattle farmers received one first place and five second place awards. Their goat farmers were outstanding, with animals receiving ten first places, nine second places, three third places and the title of Supreme Champion Buck.

HEART also showed its academic excellence with students winning third place in the Essay Competition and second place in Public Speaking.

The agency’s measure of a well executed event was the interest shown by the many patrons who passed through and signed up or enquired about the wide array of courses offered by HEART.

Photo Caption:
PM receives HEART gift basket at Denbigh
Prime Minister, The Honourable Bruce Golding accepts a basket of Ebony Pride food items from Dr. Carolyn Hayle Executive Director of HEART Trust/NTA at the Denbigh Agricultural Show, held July 31- August 2, 2010 in Denbigh, Clarendon.

For information please contact:
Michelle Walford 960-9586 /536-5909 michelle_walford@heart-nta.org
Donnett Smith/ Janelle Brown 946-0859/978-4362 marketing@panmedia.com.jm