Opposition blasts Jamaica's cancellation of National 4-H Achievement Day

Dr. Dayton Campbell, the Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture in Jamaica, has strongly criticized the sudden cancellation of the National 4-H Achievement Day 2026. Campbell voiced his significant displeasure during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 3, arguing that the decision undermines youth engagement in agriculture.

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The Minister (Floyd Green) spoke about youth engagement, training opportunities, and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. These are objectives that we should all support. However, the cancellation of National 4-H Achievement Day 2026 has raised concerns among students, parents, teachers, club leaders, and many stakeholders within the agricultural sector.

Campbell emphasized that National Achievement Day is far more than just an event; it serves as one of the most important platforms for young Jamaicans to demonstrate their skills, innovation, discipline, and dedication to agriculture. He highlighted its role in recognizing excellence, fostering healthy competition, and exposing young people to diverse opportunities within farming, agribusiness, science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

For many young Jamaicans, particularly those from rural communities, participation in National Achievement Day represents their first opportunity to engage on a national stage. Campbell noted that the event builds confidence, rewards hard work, and reinforces the message that agriculture is a profession worthy of pride and ambition. It also strengthens the crucial link between education, agriculture, and national development.

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It is one of the most important platforms through which young Jamaicans showcase their skills, innovation, discipline, and commitment to agriculture. It provides recognition for excellence, encourages healthy competition, and exposes young people to opportunities in farming, agribusiness, science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Given these vital contributions, Campbell described the cancellation as disappointing and demanding a full explanation. He argued that at a time when efforts are being made to attract more young people to agriculture, opportunities for recognition, participation, and achievement should be expanded, not reduced. He called on Minister Floyd Green to provide a clear explanation for the cancellation and urged the government to commit to reinstating the event in 2027 with sufficient funding and support.

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It builds confidence, rewards hard work, and reinforces the message that agriculture is a profession worthy of pride and ambition. It also strengthens the vital connection between education, agriculture, and national development.

Furthermore, Campbell suggested considering an alternative national youth agriculture showcase before the end of the year to allow students who have worked diligently an opportunity to display their achievements. He also advocated for strengthening budgetary support for the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, demanding transparent reporting to assess the adequacy of resources invested in youth agricultural development. Campbell concluded by stating that a serious commitment to the future of agriculture necessitates an equally serious investment in the young people who will shape it, ensuring they see agriculture as a sector offering opportunity, innovation, entrepreneurship, recognition, and a path to success.

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At a time when we are seeking to attract more young people into agriculture, we must ensure that opportunities for recognition, participation, and achievement are expanded rather than reduced.