JAMAICA | "Agriculture won’t grow on promises” - Nekeisha Burchell Demands Real Action on Agriculture in South St. James

SOUTH ST. JAMES, Montego Bay, Jamaica, April 26, 205 – PNP MP Caretaker Nekeisha Burchell is calling out the JLP regime for what she describes as “a yearly ritual of pretty speeches with no follow-through” when it comes to agriculture in South St. James. 

Her comments come in response to Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green’s recent announcement at the Montpelier Agricultural Show on Easter Monday that the Government will invest $600 billion to revitalize the Montpelier Agricultural Research Station.

 “This sounds impressive on paper, but so did last year’s promise to plant 3,000 acres of ackee, breadfruit, and mango in South St. James. Based on our checks, not one of those trees has been planted. Not one,” said Burchell. “We are tired of being used as props for press releases and speeches. Tired of empty gestures. South St. James deserves investment, not imagination.” 

Burchell emphasized that agriculture is not just a talking point, it is the backbone of survival and opportunity in rural Jamaica. “Our farmers break their backs every single day to feed the country, sustain our communities, and build a better future. Agriculture is our strength. 

But how can we grow when the government doesn’t take our work seriously?” She described the response to the Minister’s announcement at this year’s agricultural show as one of frustration, not inspiration. “People weren’t moved, they were insulted. 

Our farmers know when they’re being played for votes, and they’re tired of it.” While acknowledging that research and innovation are essential to the sector, 

Burchell criticized the $600 billion proposal as disconnected and lacking credibility. “A figure that large, with no timeline, no implementation details, and no community consultation? 

That’s not a plan, it’s a press headline. It felt like something the Minister conjured up on stage to impress a crowd. But we don’t need theatre, we need a serious, grounded plan.” She further condemned the Government’s consistent failure to deliver on basic agricultural support. “Every year we’re promised transformation. 

Every year, we’re told to wait. But where is the irrigation support? Where is the land preparation assistance? Where are the roads to get our produce to market? Where is the access to agro-processing and real markets?” 

Burchell also highlighted the ongoing hardship of farmers still reeling from natural disasters. “We still have farmers who lost everything during Hurricane Beryl and haven’t received so much as a bag of fertiliser to help them recover. 

That is not just a gap in service, it’s a failure in leadership. I implore the Minister to get realistic. Leave the office. Come to South St. James. Speak to the farmers, because who feels it, knows it.” 

She reiterated her support for revitalizing the Montpelier Agricultural Research Station, but only if it genuinely addresses the needs of the farming community. “We support the restoration of Montpelier, but only if it’s done right, with local input, urgency, and measurable benefits for our farmers. 

Don’t come here with headlines and hollow words,” she said. “Come with action. Come with respect. Come with a plan that proves you value our farmers, because so far, all we’ve seen is pie in the sky disguised as development.” “It’s time we get serious. Agriculture won’t grow on promises.”                  

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