THE Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) is now awaiting a court decision in order to hold its long-overdue annual general meeting.

President Lenworth Fulton, who is not seeking re-election, said the matter is slated to be heard on October 5.

The AGM, twice postponed in 2021, was rescheduled for July 13, 2022. However, a member of the organisation, Ian Hill, filed an injunction in the Supreme Court to have nominations for JAS executive positions — president, first vice-president and second vice-president — reopened.

The nominations were opened in early October 2021 and closed in mid-November 2021, giving the minimum 14 days’ notice.

“Everyone is awaiting direction from the court in October,” Fulton told the Jamaica Observer.

A JAS source said the issues could have been dealt with at the AGM, however, Hill was successful in his application and no meeting will be held until the court decides.

“It seemed others on the board wanted to contest for the three executive spots but never applied when the nominations were opened. Now, they have an interest,” the source said.

Six individuals were duly nominated and approved by the board. They are Clifton Grant and Albert Green for president; Owen Dobson and Tamisha Lee for first vice-president; and Kayan Whyne and Trevor Bernard for second vice-president.

So far, none have withdrawn.

“The injunction is asking for the reopening of nomination but none [of the nominees] have withdrawn,” the JAS source said, adding that the member who filed the injunction is not expected to compete for the presidency.

“There is also a legal opinion from the Ministry of Agriculture that direct members can’t contest elections at the national level. This issue is still unresolved and will add to the delay,” the source explained further.

The JAS comprises members of parish organisations or affiliated bodies, approved organisations such as 4H Clubs, and other affiliate entities such as the commodity boards, growers’ associations, major livestock associations, life members and honorary members.

Although there is a listed membership of more than 6,000 farmers, the source explained that the JAS suffers low active, paid-up membership.

While several viable projects have been proposed which could turn the association’s economic situation around, Government approval is needed for borrowing and sometimes this is difficult to get.

The JAS owns approximately 26 commercial properties islandwide. Some parish associations which collect millions in rental monthly are reputed to keep the money for themselves.

Currently, a turnaround plan for the organisation is being crafted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. But planning in earnest will not begin until the court matter is settled and the new leadership elected.

The JAS is set to be divested and become a private entity next year. However, there are concerns as the organisation owes local banks $60 million, with another $25 million owed elsewhere. Currently the Government provides $80 million annually which covers staff salaries.

Outlining what he believes will be on the agenda for the new Administration, Fulton said, “The important things are the plan for the transition, which has a timeline of May 2023; the rescheduling of the AGM; planning for Eat Jamaica Day in November; planning for Hague Agriculture Show slated for Ash Wednesday 2023; and planning for all other events in 2023.”