JAS President Condemns the Brutal Murder of Goat Farmers in Clarendon

Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) President, Norman Grant has condemned the brutal murders of two goat farmers, Vincent Hudson and Altimont Harrison in Hayes Clarendon on Friday (April 6, 2018) and is urging the Government to speedily amend the Agricultural Produce Act including increasing the fine from the current $250,000 to $5 million.

“The JAS condemns the heinous killing of the farmers and further the stealing of 35 of their goats. This brings into sharp focus the need for the government to expedite the process of amendment to the Agricultural Produce Act and to increase the fine from $250,000 to $5 million, “said Grant.

“There is also an urgent need to review the Trespass Act as well and to bring all these acts within the framework of the Proceeds of Crime Act where convicted “farm terrorists” can have their assets seized by the State and sold to finance a Victim Compensation Fund to support those who suffer from praedial larceny which costs the sector and country $6 billion annually,” the JAS President emphasised.

Grant also called on the police for a speedy investigation “that will bring the perpetrators of this wicked act to justice.”

“It is deeply troubling and depressing that this attack on the farmers is taking place during the 35th observance of Farmers Month, a time when the JAS is calling on the country to recognize the contribution of our farmers. Against the background we are asking all churches this Saturday and Sunday to pray for Jamaica’s farmers. The JAS further expresses our sincerest condolences to the families of these farmers.