FORMER head of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Lenworth Fulton, will assume duties as chief executive officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) on May 1.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Roger Clarke officially welcomed Fulton to his new post during a press briefing Wednesday at his Hope Gardens offices in St Andrew.

Clarke said the new CEO is quite knowledgeable about the “inner workings of RADA”, having been a member of the board for some time. “He is in familiar territory and I hope, and expect, that he will bring to bear all the expertise that he [has gained] at 4-H,” he stated. Fulton headed the Jamaica 4-H Clubs for 12 years.

The agriculture minister said Fulton’s appointment also presents a “grand opportunity” to establish a greater linkage between the 4-H Clubs and RADA, in an effort to increase youth involvement in the agricultural sector.

Fulton brings to RADA, a wealth of experience in management, agriculture and economics. He is a graduate of the Jamaica School of Agriculture, now College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) and Tuskegee University in the United States, where he obtained a Diploma in General Agriculture and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, respectively.

Fulton replaces outgoing Acting CEO of RADA, Harold Spaulding, who retires at the end of this month.

The minister also bade farewell to Spaulding, pointing out that he “has served the organisation with distinction”.

“He came to us when the chips were down and he came to the fore and steadied the ship and I want to thank him for his contribution over the past few months,” Clarke remarked.

In the meantime, the minister also announced the appointment of five new members to the board of RADA.

They are:

* Bevon Morrison, president and chief executive officer, Caribbean Vibes Limited;

* Michael Pryce, director of the Agricultural Marketing Information Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries;

* Natalie Johnson, executive assistant to the minister;

* Valrie Dixon, president, International Community Institute; and

* Janet Bedasee, development consultant.

Minister Clarke said the new members will bring a wealth of expertise to the agency.

“They bring to the table different areas of expertise, but their commitment towards the strengthening of RADA is something that will be brought to bear as we move forward,” he stated.

He said that the appointments were necessary, as there were a number of vacant positions on the board.

He further remarked that the addition will bring “balance to the table”, pointing out that of the five new members, four are women. He noted that an increase in female and youth participation in the agricultural sector forms part of the ministry’s thrust.

— JIS