Mission Statement

To produce a wide selection of organic fruits, vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs which will assist with food security and healthy lifestyles, as well as to utilize a variety of vines, roots, grasses, fibers and straws grown or collected from the surrounding environment to produce an exquisite range of hand-woven baskets, sculptures, paintings and other conceptual art projects.

Years in Botanical Field

I have been involved in the botanical field for over forty years as a farmer, cultural practitioner, artist, basket weaver, teacher and consultant.

Benefit of your Service to the Public

Promoting sustainable development, sensitising and stimulating the conscious awareness of individuals about the inherent value of natural organic foods and herbal remedies for health care and well being. Offering a space of edification where agricultural, cultural and spiritual activities are conducted in a peaceful, relaxing environment that persons who visit Ngozi Farm and Cultural Sanctuary can feel grounded and have a sense of connectedness to the land. Providing family and community-oriented projects such as fun days, summer camps, entertainment, gatherings, thanksgivings, blessing ceremonies, farm tours and farmers markets that offer wholesale and retail produce to the general public. Hosting events such as art and handwoven basketry exhibitions, herbal displays, workshops in agro-processing, vegetarian food, bush tea and herbal remedy preparations help to demonstrate some of the benefits offered. In addition, economic empowerment and learning opportunities extended to young adults and other individuals are some benefits that have a positive impact on the community and the wider public. Sharing information for documentaries where my knowledge about the use of plants for health and wellness and personal care can be highlighted, recorded and distributed.

Need for Plant Conservation and Heritage Knowledge in Barbados

Plant conservation and heritage knowledge in Barbados is important in helping to ensure the preservation and protection of botanical species, to avoid extinction and to have a diverse selection of plants that can be easily accessible and readily available for use. It is wise to seek and transfer knowledge, research and learn more about the uses, healing properties and medicinal values of the plants grown in our immediate surroundings. Plant conservation also assists in the prevention of soil erosion, the protection of our ecosystems, as well as sustaining biodiversity and most importantly, providing fresh air for humans to breathe and survive. In recent years, plant conservation has become more important as it relates to the prevention of global warming and climate change, therefore making it evident that we must prioritise and focus on planting more trees in the environment, to help in the conservation of natural habitats.

Personal Statement by Ireka Jelani