The JAS, it’s Board of Management, our over 220,000 farmers in Jamaica and Agriculture stakeholders express shock and is deeply sadden to hear of the passing of an exceptional Jamaican the Honourable Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture.

Senator Norman Grant, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) stated that

“The JAS, it’s Board of Management, our over 220,000 farmers in Jamaica and Agriculture stakeholders express shock and is deeply sadden to hear of the passing of an exceptional Jamaican the Honourable Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture."

We note that he had gone through surgery successfully, was recovering well and would be returning home soon.

He served the agriculture sector for over 50years, as Agriculture Minister, first from 1998 to 2007 and again from 2012 until the time of his death. He was also the President of the St. Elizabeth JAS.

He led the recovery of the Agriculture sector after Hurricane Sandy. This resulted in the sector achieving growth of point eight percent (.8%) in Quarters 3&4 of 2013 and eighteen percent (18%) in Quarter 1 of 2014 thus recording growth in domestic crop production.

The JAS, including our Commodities Associations and the farmers of Jamaica in saluting this great son of our soil express condolences to his wife, Mrs. Sonia Clarke as well as his immediate and extended family members.