THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on October 16 in the years identified:

1983:World

Food Day is October 16, and the Food Group of the Jamaica Manufacturers’Association (JMA) pays tribute to Jamaican farmers, agricultural workers and those engaged in the agro-food industry, in the face of many problems and pressures in agriculture at this time. It says in a release: “The theme of World Food Day, which is world food security and the slogan ‘Food Comes First’, is very fitting at a time when massive shortages threaten millions of people. Following on the excellent grain harvest years, cereal production is now down by 6% and stocks are likely to drop to minimum safety levels. Against this background we wish to state the fullest support of the JMA Food Group for Agro 21 as outlined by the prime minister, Edward Seaga.” 1996:Patterson Prime Minister P.J.

discloses that a four-point ministerial policy guideline is given to the board of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). He is addressing the UDC Long Service Awards Banquet at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The guidelines include: The revitalisation of capital towns, which have fallen into disrepair and have become victims of urban blight – the UDC is to work, in collaboration with the Town Planning Department, to develop a comprehensive plan; the revision of its land holdings to put into production idle lands; to assist with the implementation of the settlement strategy and to work with other agencies to find solutions to population issues; using its expertise in providing national attractions and facilities to create employment and enhance the tourism product; and engaging in research and development, to place it on the cutting edge of science and technology.

– The Gleaner Archives