James Paul retires as BAS chief

James Paul has retired as chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), ending a lengthy tenure during which he became one of the most recognisable voices on issues affecting farmers and food production since the turn of the century.

The BAS announced on Wednesday that Paul’s retirement took effect on September 1. A successor has not yet been appointed.

President of the BAS Board Henderson Williams said Paul had been a consistent advocate for farmers, particularly on issues surrounding food security, agricultural land and the challenges facing local producers.

Paul, who succeeded another longstanding general manager, Haynesley Benn, in 2001, was a prominent advocate for greater domestic food production and policies aimed at protecting agricultural land from competing development.

The BAS said he also advocated for measures to protect the investments of both small and large-scale farmers, including safeguards against market conditions and import competition that could negatively affect local producers.

Williams said Paul’s work also extended to efforts to strengthen the organisation and increase public awareness of the importance of agriculture to the Barbadian economy.

Among the initiatives highlighted by the BAS was Paul’s role in the development of Agrofest, which has become one of the major events on the local agricultural calendar.

“One of the defining achievements of Mr Paul’s tenure was his instrumental role in the re-establishment of the local agricultural exhibit through the creation of Agrofest: The National Agricultural Exhibition,” Williams said.

The organisation said the exhibition was intended not only to showcase agriculture but also to provide farmers, producers and other stakeholders with an avenue to promote their products and engage directly with the public.

Williams also pointed to Paul’s advocacy on food security, saying he had consistently argued for greater emphasis on local production and reduced vulnerability to external shocks.

The former CEO’s departure represented the end of a significant period for the organisation, he said, crediting him with maintaining a strong public focus on the concerns of the farming community. 

Paul also served in national politics, including two terms as a Democratic Labour Party backbencher for St Michael West Central riding from 2008 to 2018, all during his time at the helm of the BAS.

He returned to elective politics, standing for Parliament in the February 11 poll.

(BT)