The new Executive Council for the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP) was elected at the JNRWP annual general meeting on Tuesday, February 27, at the Rose Hall 4-H Club in Linstead, St. Catherine. From left (top row) are: Mildred Crawford, president; Angella Bardowell, vice-president; Donna Maragh, secretary; Petal Brown, treasurer; Audette Lawes, public relations officer. Bottom row, from left are: Vonette Johnson, assistant secretary; Avis Rowe, assistant treasurer; Edna Edwards and Gwendolyn Panton, assistant public relations officers. - Contributed

Nashauna Drummond, Acting Lifestyle Coordinator.

Women producers from all across the island turned up at the 4-H Club in Linstead last Monday for the annual general meeting of Jamaica Network of Rural women Producers (JNRWP). JNRWP was launched in 1999 guided by the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation in Agriculture.

The first organisation of its kind in the Caribbean, it had a membership of 150 rural women. The vision of JNRWP was to empower and motivate rural women to improve their quality of life and the social and economic conditions of their communities, and contribute to national development.

Drought

However, some of its members were hard-hit by drought and praedial larceny. Their spirits were lifted by guest speaker, managing director of Annie Gees, Andrea Graham. She encouraged the women to embrace change and see the good in every situation. "The problem is as big as you make it, don't dwell on the negative things. As women we need to do this daily, to achieve our purpose." She explained that their purpose must be help others and not just themselves.

"There is enough in this world for everyone to live comfortably. We have to begin to share and be there for each other." As her speech continued, members of the audience shouted their agreement.

Love

Deanna Hunter (right) is all smiles as she is greeted by Lady Cooke and her husband former Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke.

Graham told the women, "No one should love you more than you love yourself." She encouraged them never to give up and, "call the things that aren't as if they are. Tell your loved ones that they are the best thing God created because they are in your life." She noted that as women, it was important to network, and JNRWP provided the perfect environment to do that. She said this was one of the areas in which men dominate because they know how to network and do it very well, constantly sharing information.

"You need to understand the power of a woman and the importance of helping each other, sharing with each other." At intervals members of the audience continued shouting their approval. "Rise up and stand up, you are women in business, you have a contribution to make that no one else can make. They can make their contribution but not yours, only you can make your contribution," she concluded to resounding applause.

'I am a country woman'

Guest speaker Andrea Graham (standing), managing director of Annie Gees, got the audience involved in her passionate address. - photos Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

JNRWP patron, Lady Cooke, reassured the women that they still had her support. "I am a country woman, I still support you. I am from the days when we did our washing by the river; I am from the days when if one person was sick in the community everyone knew. I am in support of all your troubles and you need to know that women are the ones who can make the change in Jamaica."

She also encouraged them to continue to support the organisation. "If you do not work, your organisation will not grow, ignore those persons who are still looking down on agriculture."

After two such powerful speeches, the mood in the room seemed to change and JNRWP continued with the day's agenda. They tried to find solutions to the problems that plague their members, and elected a new executive to guide them through.