Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth — The youth training 4-H movement showed off its influence in this south central parish last month with an impressive development exposition on the grounds of the St Elizabeth Technical High School.

4-H club members from more than 40 schools turned up to show off their skills in a range of areas.

“We are celebrating what the children have learnt. We taught them in the areas of home economics, agriculture, leadership and social skills and today, they are displaying what they have learnt,” said St Elizabeth’s parish development officer, Bridgette Powell.

Cassava, which for generations has been a staple food in St Elizabeth, took pride of place at the exposition. As would be expected, the traditional bammy was in abundance, but there was also an astonishing array of other cassava products including cassava cake, cassava jackass corn, cassava bun, cassava wine, cassava jams and jellies and non-edibles made from the tuber, including glues and facial scrubs.

A range of other farm products and related additives also drew attention, as did skills. Artistic towel folding provided a huge pull for visitors.

Light entertainment was plentiful, with rides and games for children in particular.

A pleased Powell praised her immediate team as well as school leaders and teachers.

“We have a good team at St Elizabeth 4-H Club comprising our parish, advisory council, our leaders association, and of course, our school administrators and teachers who we can’t do without,” she said.

Basil Bennett, chairman of the 4-H parish advisory council, hailed Powell and her team for doing “excellent” work. “This is a good year for the 4-H movement in St Elizabeth,” said Bennett. “I am impressed by the number of clubbites we have this year; we have over 7,000 and 77 registered clubs,” he added.

— Garfield Myers