Goats stolen from 7-y-o farmer

It was not long ago that seven-year-old Devoni Grant was the proud owner of eight goats and a promising livestock enterprise, which he operated alongside his father, Devon Grant, in Sandy Bay, Clarendon, where they reside.

So attached was the youngster to his goats that he gave each of them a name, including his favourite, a nanny which he called 'Gal'.

Devoni was, however, not prepared for the misfortune of thieves stealing four of his goats, about a month ago, including his prized Gal.

"He is very emotional about it," his father said in an interview with JIS.

The businessman, whose background is in construction, said that at the urging of his son, the family began to plant crops in their backyard and purchased a few goats to start a business. Devoni said that his love for the animal influenced his decision to begin raising goats. He also said that he saw it as a way to earn his own money.

As the senior Grant related, his son told him that he wanted to get into the goat-rearing business.

"I started him off with one she-goat [which had kids], and that subsequently increased the number to four. I bought him another one, because he wanted to change the breed; so, I bought him a Nubian goat so he can have variety. We went on until he had eight goats, and then the thieves struck," the elder Grant recounted.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr learnt of the theft two days after it occurred. The minister then made a promise to help Devoni restock his herd. In fact, he announced at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs National Achievement Day Expo at the Denbigh Showground in Clarendon, on May 12, that Devoni was one of six youngsters who would be receiving a goat from the ministry.

"The minister encouraged him [by telling him] that he [was] there to support him and [would] replace the goat. He promised to help improve the techniques and get him registered with RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) to get advice on how to raise the goats properly and to fix up a proper pen," the father said.