Norman Washington Grant, OD, is a Jamaican politician. A member of the People's National Party, he is a former senator and was president of the Jamaican Agricultural Society (JAS) from 2003 to 2009 and 2012 to 2018.
Career edit
A member of the People's National Party (PNP),[1] Grant was elected to the Senate of Jamaica in 2001, 2002, 2008, and 2011, as a member of the agricultural sector in the senate's Upper House. From 2003 to 2009, Grant was the president of the Jamaican Agricultural Society (JAS). As JAS president, Grant spearheaded the successful "Eat Jamaican" initiative which encouraged Jamaicans to consume more local produce.[2] Launched in November 2003, the programme reduced Jamaican import expenditure by around US$500 million after some twelve years,[3] and increased local agricultural output by roughly 490 tonnes (540 tons) by 2017.[1] He was succeeded by Montego Bay mayor Glendon Harris as JAS president and from 2009 to 2012, Grant served as the society's vice-president.[4] Harris declined to run for another term and Grant was reelected as JAS president in July 2012. In 2018, having served two consecutive terms as president, Grant became ineligible for reelection and was succeeded by Lenworth Fulton.[5]
Grant founded and directed the Caribbean Farmers' Network (CaFAN) and is the current chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. He is also the chief executive officer and managing director of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory.[2][6]
Recognition edit
In October 2015, Grant was awarded with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class).[7] In December 2019, he was awarded the Distinguished Member Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association.[8]
References edit
- ^ a b Henry, Balford (28 April 2018). "JAS to elect new president in July". Jamaica Observer.
- ^ a b "President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant is presented with the Order of Distinction". Jamaica Agricultural Society. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ Hunter, Judith (19 November 2015). "'Eat Jamaican' Campaign a Game Changer – Norman Grant". Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ "Norman Grant Returns as JAS President". Jamaica Information Service. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ "Former RADA head is new JAS president". Jamaica Observer. 13 July 2018.
- ^ "Norman W. Grant". Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ "A Man in Full: Devoted service, family support anchor Norman Grant's life in agri industry, J'can Senate". Tallawah Magazine. 26 October 2015.
- ^ "Five coffee players receive lifetime achievement award at JCEA banquet". Loop Jamaica. 10 December 2019.