Young Yallahs farmer excells after failing to spark at CXC exams

For Lawrence Lynch, leaving high school without any Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) subject was a decisive moment in his life because that forced him to reevaluate his choices.

"Leaving without any subjects did not mean I was limited to any mediocre profession but showed that I need to make a clear path to success," explained Lynch who left Yallahs High School at age 18.

According to the 27 year old, growing up in a single-mother household along with his three sisters, he was always ambitious.

After being encouraged by his church members to develop a career in order to take care of his family, he decided to go to evening classes. After a year, he attained four CSEC subjects.

Initially, Lynch decided that he wanted to become a male nurse. This was after he visited his grandfather in hospital and realised that the institution was short-staffed.

largest onion farmers

However, a conversation with his grandfather on his deathbed cause him to change his mind.

"He told me I can have everything in this world I want if I give everyone what they want, and he said everyone wants food so if I provide food, they can give me the money I want," Lynch told THE WEEKEND STAR.

That was the turning point of his life.

Lynch said he began attending sessions at Yallahs Agro Park shortly after his grandfather's death in 2013.

Now one of the largest onion farmers in the parish, Lynch credits the Yallahs Agro Park for his success in farming because he was taught how to become a modern farmer.

"I think what sets me apart is application of things that are taught at the Agro Park classes because I use science and technology strategically in my farming, " he explained.

Lynch has been awarded the most outstanding youth farmer in St. Thomas by Rural Agricultural Development Authority(RADA).

"I am often invited to sessions with young persons to speak to them and to share my experience to tell them that they should not be discouraged by their start but try to improve their lives continuously," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

In addition to onions, Lynch also grows cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, gungo peas and sweet potatoes. He is also involved in bee keeping. All this takes place on 10 acres of lands given to him by an aunt which he was able to cultivate after obtaining loans for a local bank.

"Farming is not just wearing a water boot. It pays and can help to develop yourself and your community through employment," he said.