Cluster Co-ordinator, Agro Parks

Sheron McFarlane

Sheron McFarlane joined the Agro Investment Corporation as a Cluster Coordinator in September 2018 with extensive knowledge in Agriculture, Postharvest Research and Training, Product Development, Agro processing, Food Safety and Quality Assurance.

Mrs McFarlane is responsible for developing and strengthening farmer groups, create and facilitate linkages between farmers/investors and Markets, Input Suppliers, Banks, Research and Academic institutions. She is also responsible for the training and capacity building of farmers/investors to improve competence, achieve certification and effectively align them to superb food production and food safety systems.

She is a graduate of the Knockalva Agricultural School and College of Agriculture, where she obtained a Certificate and Associate of Science Degree in General Agriculture. She later went on to the University of the West Indies St Augustine, Trinidad where she read for a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons.) in General Agriculture and a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Diversification.

Farm Manager, Minard Estates

Emelio Archer

Emelio Archer is the Farm Manager at the Minard Estate Farm in Brown’s Town St. Ann. And as such, is tasked with overseeing the purebred beef cattle operation at the property which is the repository for the 3 local beef breeds: Jamaica Black, Jamaica Brahman and Jamaica Red Poll.

He has over 8 years of experience managing cattle operations across Jamaica, with an educational background that includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science (Hons.) and an Associate Degree in General Agriculture (Hons.) from the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE).

Agro-Park Manager, Plantain Garden River, St. Thomas

Barrington Rhoden

A trained and experienced agriculturist with over three decades of experience working in several technical, supervisory, and middle management positions in both the public and private agricultural sector. He is a graduate of the Knockalva Agricultural School and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, where he completed several professional development courses.

Mr. Rhoden is presently responsible for the management and operations of the Plantain Garden River Agro Park in St. Thomas.
A strong believer in the ability of agriculture to function as a key economic driver and is dedicated to helping the sector to achieve this status.

Agro-Park Manager, Spring Plain, Clarendon

Terrence Samuels

Terrence Samuels is an Agro Park Manager, with responsibility for the management of the Spring Plain Agro Park, in Clarendon. This responsibility entails working with farmers/investors for growth of the agriculture sector through ensuring increase in crop production as well as driving good agricultural practices in a sustainable and smart way.

His educational background entails a degree in General Agriculture, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Study and a Master of Science Degree in Project Management (Pending) University of Barcelona.
Mr. Samuels has extensive training in Tissue Culture IN VITRO, Product Safety as well as Global G.A.P. Certification.

Technology Transfer Specialist, Agro Parks

Sheldon Larmond

Sheldon Larmond is the Technology Transfer Specialist who has overall responsibility for the introduction and implementation of new and improved technology solutions as well as the provision of technical support for Farmers/Investors on the Agro Parks and Production Zones. 

Mr. Larmond is a consummate food safety professional with over 16 years of experience which spans the Agribusiness sector from Primary Production to Regulation.
He holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Agri-Production and Food Systems Management from the Collage of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in conjunction with the Nova Scotia Agriculture College in Canada as well as an Associate of Science Degree in Management Information Systems from University College of the Caribbean.

Mr. Larmond has had extensive training and development in Food Safety Protocols and was a recipient of the prestigious Cochran Fellowship. Mr. Larmond has built a career in the agriculture sector that has been fulfilling both personally and professionally. 

Agro Park Manager, Holland Estate Agro Economic Zone, St. Elizabeth

Howard Baldie

Howard Baldie is a member of the Agro Park team with specific responsibility as Agro Park Manager for The Holland Agro Economic Zone. His academic qualifications include a BTech in Agriculture Management System (CASE), currently finalizing MSc thesis in Logistic and Supply Chain Management at the Caribbean Maritime University and a certificate in Project Management and Supervisory Management from the University of the West Indies.

Other career experiences are garnered from several diversified agriculture-oriented organizations spanning over 30 years contribution in these sectors. His hobbies are fishing, gardening, and travelling to new outdoor adventures.

Agro Park Manager, Ebony Agro Park, Clarendon

Georgia Curtis

Georgia Curtis is a dedicated and passionate manager driven by her enthusiasm for working in the agricultural field, where she has seven years of experience. Her journey in agriculture began at the College of Agriculture Science and Education (C.A.S.E), where she acquired an Associate Degree in Agricultural Science, Diploma in teaching Agricultural Science and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Production and Food System Management (Hons.). She takes commitment seriously and aims to impact her organization positively by working assiduously to increase productivity on the Agro Park.

Her key responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operational aspects of the Ebony Agro Park in Clarendon, diagnosing problems and identifying appropriate solutions in the field, agronomic training and on-farm follow up activities for farmers, managing land preparation activities, preparing reports on activities as required by management, providing technical support to farmers, and establishing appropriate record keeping of all agronomy activities.

Agro Park Manager, New Forest/Duff House, St. Elizabeth

Michael Daley-Turnbull

Michael Daley-Turnbull is the Agro Park Manager for the New Forrest/Duff House Agro Park in Southern St. Elizabeth. His role in this unique production zone is more of advisory and reporting. He has over twenty years of technical agriculture experience working in the agriculture arena.

Mr. Daley-Turnbull’s education background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and an Associate of Science Degree in General Agriculture from the College of Agriculture, Science and Education.

Accountant Consultant

Dawn Grant

Dawn Grant is the Manager for Payroll, Payables and Receivables. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies (Hons.) and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Mrs. Grant has several years’ experience in all areas of accounting. A calm but firm individual who has a passion to see people excel and attain full potential. She is extremely ‘family centric’.

Management Accounting

Kamika Blake

Kamika Blake is the Management Accountant, with responsibility for formulating upcoming budget, completing the budget forms stipulated by the Ministry of Finance, monitoring expenditure with reference to the ‘Approved Budget’ and preparing income and expenditure forecasts.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from the University of Technology. Ms. Blake is a finance enthusiast who is currently enrolled in the Certified Public Accountant programme.

Property and Fixed Asset Manager

Phillip Garvin

Phillip Garvin is the Property and Fixed Asset Manager who has responsibility for land management related matters at the Agro Investment Corporation. He plays an integral role in the planning and establishment of new Agro Parks and Production Zones, screening of prospective investors, lease management services and enforcement activities.

His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Land Economy and Valuation Surveying (Hons.) from the University of Technology. His most recent contribution to the Agricultural Sector was his key role in the establishment of the 849-acre New Pen Production Zone in St Mary and the Lennox and Low Leyton Production Zone in Portland.

Manager, Business Facilitation

Jodian Tate-Clarke

Jodian Tate- Clarke is the Manager, Business Facilitation, responsible for managing the business development services for prospective and existing investors establishing or expanding agribusinesses in Jamaica.

She has over ten years of experience working as a Project Coordinator on projects in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. Mrs. Tate-Clarke’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Human Resource Management (Hons.) from the University of Technology, an Associate Degree in Accounting, and certificates in Project Management Principles and Practices from The University of California, Ervine Extension as well as the Project Management Institute, Jamaica.

Strategic Planning Manager

Selvine Stephenson

Selvine Stephenson is the Strategic Planning Manager who has responsibility for the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation processes and systems at Agro-Invest. Ms. Stephenson holds a Master’s Degree in Government with a specialization in International Relations (Distinction) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

She also earned a BSc in Political Science with Law (Hons) from the University of the West Indies in Barbados and certificates in Project Management, Strategic Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation from the Project Management Institute, Office of the Cabinet and Caribbean Policy Development Centre respectively. Currently, Selvine is pursuing a PhD in Government, focusing on the transformative potential of food systems.

Her commitment to the agribusiness sector is evident through her active involvement in research, collaboration with stakeholders, and unwavering dedication to the development of the agribusiness sector. Her most recent policy contributions include co-authoring an article entitled “Food Systems Profile – Jamaica. Catalysing the Sustainable and Inclusive Transformation of Food Systems” published by Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations in 2021.

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Alecia Brown-Forbes

Alecia Brown-Forbes is the Manager, Marketing and Communications. She is responsible for promoting investments in the agricultural sector, as well as establishing marketing opportunities and linkages through employing various marketing and communication strategies.

She is a business professional with over 20 years of experience in the areas of Marketing (both local and international), Sales, as well as Business Development, with a passion for Project Management and Event Planning.

Mrs. Brown-Forbes holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing (Distinction), a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Management (Hons.), a Diploma in Marketing, as well as certification in Event Planning.

As Manager of Marketing and Communications, she will continue to promote the interests of the Corporation, build strong relationships with key stakeholders and advocate for sustained growth and success of the agribusiness sector.

Cluster Co-ordinator – Ebony Agro Park

Monique Solomon

Monique Solomon joined the Corporation as a Cluster Co-ordinator in July 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Computer Science (minor) and a Master in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety.

Monique has served in the agricultural sector for over a decade. She comes to the Corporation with a background in Entomology, pest risk assessment, pest surveillance and pest emergency response. Monique has also contributed to the development of plant health policies and legislation.

Monique uses her experience in international standards for phytosanitary measures and technical market access to build the capacity of the investors to meet the market’s demand for high quality agricultural products. She is also responsible for helping farmers form their own organizations, co-ordinating training programmes and facilitating market linkages.

Research and Technical Information Manager

Stephanie McDonald

Stephanie McDonald is a dedicated research professional, with a strong academic background and a deep passion for sustainable development.

She holds a Master of Science degree in International Public & Development Management from the University of the West Indies, Mona. Stephanie has actively contributed to research publications and collaborated on nationwide research projects.

As a passionate advocate for sustainable practices, Stephanie endeavors to close the divide between theory and practical implementation. She places great emphasis on translating research findings into tangible strategies that have the potential to catalyze meaningful change. By bridging this gap, Stephanie aims to foster sustainable development in real-world contexts, ensuring that her work has a positive impact on society and the environment.

Facilities Manager

Jehnele Parkinson

Jehnele Parkinson is the Facilities Manager with responsibility for the maintenance of the Facilities owned or managed by the corporation, vehicular fleet maintenance and dispatch as well as the maintenance of the corporation’s physical assets.

She has over ten years of experience in the real estate and property management industry and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Land Economy and Valuation Surveying (Upper Second Class Hons.) from the University of Technology, Jamaica, Licensed as a Property Manager by the Real Estate Board of Jamaica and holder of the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation from The National Association of Realtors in North America.

Procurement Manager

Joie James

Joie James is the Manager for the Procurement Department who is responsible for ensuring that all acquisition of goods, works and services follow the stipulated GOJ Procurement Guidelines. He has over seven years of experience as a certified Procurement Specialist from the International Procurement Institute (INPRI).

His academic background stems from BSc. Finance & Management (Hons) from Excelsior Community College, Certificate from International Procurement Institute (INPRI) to be certified as an International Procurement Specialist, Certificate of Project Management from Mona School of Business and a MSc. In Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Caribbean Maritime University.