Sean Paul Assists Small Farmers Across Jamaica With Water Project
Dancehall artiste Sean Paul has stepped up to make farming a little easier for several farmers. Teaming up with the Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, the Sean Paul Foundation (SPF) sets out to boost food security in communities across Jamaica.
The Temperature singer posted on his Instagram page, “Give thanxx 2 my sean paul foundation team an @foodforthepoorja 4 makin a difference in assisting the small farmers across jamaica!!! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💧 🌱how r u helping ur community? #rrr!!”
Romaine Hall, a 25-year-old farmer, from Jeffery Town, St Mary will have less trouble cultivating his crop this season because his water worries are eased. Thanks to the help of Sean Paul’s foundation and FFP Jamaica donating a rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation system.
Along with Hall, Livingston and Wangel Warner of Albion Mountain in St Thomas and Maxine Gordon of Fern District in St James were also recipients of a system. Farmers from each county received a system for their quarter-acre farm, valued at $315,000. The entire system includes a rainwater harvesting shed, a gravity feed drip-irrigation system, and a 1,000-gallon storage tank, inclusive of a 55-gallon drum for fertiliser application.
Being able to work with FFP Jamaica to do this community uplifting water project has given Sean Paul a sense of security.
According to the Jamaica Observer, Sean Paul stated, “I decided to work with FFP Jamaica because their programmes are geared towards the upliftment of our people and building our country. That’s the same thing I am on,” he said. “They are doing amazing, transparent work. People can see the high standard of help that they have given over the years. I just wanted to partner with someone who knew what they were doing.”
Farmer Hall, a former Tacky High School student hasn’t wasted any time putting his system to work and had already used it in the nourishment of his farm after a few days of rain. He’s grateful to have the water system and the help of the foundation and FFP Jamaica.
“I have a quarter acre of tomatoes here. But I have corn, yam, and have plans to plant string peas. I am very thankful to the Sean Paul Foundation and Food For The Poor for what they have done for me. I am a godly person, so I will plant and God will do the rest,” said Hall
The Star reported that FFP director of agriculture and fishing, Nakhle Hado said, “This is technology in use. He does not have to come and water daily; instead, he will only have to turn it on. The system is already attached and it will go to each plant. The irrigation system is made to this farm’s specifications to use five litres a day on average. He only has to monitor it when there are heavy rains.”
The project is bound to make a big difference for small farmers, whose agricultural activities cannot survive without water.
Kivette Silvera, FFP Jamaica’s Executive Director, reinforces the reach of the project, saying in a statement to the Jamaica Observer, “I can categorically say these rainwater harvesting systems will have a significant impact on small farmers. When you think about it, every year you hear about drought in Jamaica and farmers saying that they have suffered losses. If it is not raining, how can they water the farm?”
Fans expressed positive feelings about the work Sean Paul and partners are doing on his social media page.
Naujafinniken commented, “How yuh mean!! Why should all our “Organic” food be shipped abroad while we eat all that imported crap from overseas 😑”
Joan.richards.7509 added, “Yes Dutty.Tuff move Mr SeanPaul.blessing sir.respect to the max.youngman me love you heart weh u got u se.if a love your heart one more time.keep helping they need it.”
In the absence of the predicted drought for this year, Sean Paul noted that there is a clear need for the water project.
“Farming is the backbone of the country, and small farmers have been doing their part. This year was projected to be a drought year, we have been blessed with rain, but I am glad that we did it,” he said. “This project will go a long way. To be self-sufficient is an important thing. We will try to do more for other small farmers across the island,” he expressed to the Jamaica Observer.