Young farmer’s business continues to thrive

The last time THE STAR checked in with young farmer Conroy Shakespeare, his Old Harbour, St Catherine-business was thriving, despite setbacks from a few delinquent customers. That was last August. COVID-19 was nowhere in sight.

Fast-forward to June 2020, and Shakespeare, though operating in a tough economic environment, is weathering the storm.

"We have been getting a lot of sales during this pandemic. In fact, this is the best sales have been as it relates to the chickens," Simone Spence, the teenager's mother, said. "We have a little shop now, so we are now selling the chickens from there, and the community has been really supportive. Our shop supplies the area in these times, and even his teachers make the journey to buy from us."

In 2018, Shakespeare warmed the hearts of Jamaicans at home and abroad after revealing his plans to ease his mother's burdens, starting with seven chickens that he had purchased. His chicken stock would eventually increase after he received assistance from numerous entities.

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Spence told THE STAR that the 14-year-old now has 300 chickens, two goats, two cows and three pigs at his farm.

Young Shakespeare recently tried his hand at planting ground provisions, and now has a small farm with cucumbers, tomatoes, scallion and pak choi.

"Most of what he plants is for the home, but from time to time, we will sell the tomatoes and scallion in the shop. He has a lot of plans for his business and I will support him in every way possible. I want to thank everyone who made all of this possible," said Spence.

The mother said that Shakespeare also has dozens of birds. "He had to sell out some of them the other day because he didn't have enough space in the cage," she said.

A student at Innswood High School, Spence said that she insists that Shakespeare pays attention to his schoolwork, even as he expands his farm. "He has been really serious about his business in every way, and every chance he gets, he will add a new animal to his farm," she said.