In Jamaica, Mr. Locksley Fitz-Henley Waites has been awarded the Order of Distinction. Trees That Feed Foundation congratulates our collaborator and friend on this highly regarded commendation presented by Jamaican Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.
As Senior Agronomist at Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Mr. Waites has been integral to the country’s fruit tree crop advancement for four decades. For 15 years, Locksley has walked hand in hand with TTFF toward a shared goal of food sovereignty for Jamaica.
He has distributed tens of thousands of fruit trees and directed tree planting and care. Through breadfruit seminars, instructional videos, field trips, and student lectures, he has contributed to our educational efforts.
Countless Jamaicans have learned essential agricultural lessons from Mr. Locksley Waites. Two of his many nuggets of wisdom include:
Before you plant a tree, ask yourself about the market for fruit.
We agree! The sale of excess fruit bolsters financial security for individuals and countries. There must first be a marketplace before you can create economic activity.
If you don’t plan to prune it, then don’t plant it!
We have witnessed it time and again. Pruned trees produce more and better fruit. Unpruned trees amass hard-to-reach or fallen fruit that goes to waste. (Learn more from this video we made in cooperation with Mr. Waites.)
Mr. Waites fostered a true partnership between TTFF and RADA. He continues to lend his time and expertise to our shared dream of a Jamaica that does not depend on imported food, but rather is self-sustaining.
Thank you, Locksley, and congratulations on this prestigious award! It is well deserved.
Congratulations Locksley, you are a real asset to Jamaica. Your contribution was worthy of note!