John “Johnny” Tranberg, who will turn 98 in April, was honored at the opening ceremonies of the 43rd Annual Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This year the livestock pavilion will bear Tranberg’s name.
Tranberg, probably the oldest living farmer ever honored at the fair, walked proud and straight to the front of the stage to accept the accolades bestowed on him at Saturday’s opening ceremony of the festival. Tranberg said he was doing well, other than having to walk with a stick. He added he is still living in the hills on the farm that has been in his family for 111 years.
Sue Lakos, director of livestock exhibits, said Tranberg is still farming in Estate Nicholas near Creque Dam. His huge senepole bull, Thomas, has been showcased at the fair for years, she said.
The board of directors of the fair also honored Edith Matthew, naming the Food and Refreshment Pavilion after her. Matthew has a passion for agriculture and has been a vendor at the Christiansted Market for 30 years. Her participation in the fair started in the early 1980s with the Wesleyan Holiness Church.
“I’m overwhelmed that they have given me this great honor,” Matthew said before the ceremony. “I thank God for bringing me here. I owe everything to God.” She said she loves to cook and her specialties are coconut salt fish, conch in butter or stewed, and maubi drinks.
The Farmer’s Market was named in honor of Violet Drew.
Drew preserves surplus produce and fruit, adding to the shelf life of local crops. She operates Ra’s Sonrise & Daughter Stand Market, selling fresh produce, coconut oil, jams, her famous plantain chips and more.
“We hear the voice of the universe in 2014,” Drew said. “Mothers must buy fresh food and prepare fresh food to feed their children for a healthy life.”
The board named the fairgrounds the Oscar E. Henry Memorial Agriculture Fairgrounds.
Henry, a Crucian and a past commissioner of agriculture, died last August. He had a passion for horses and agriculture, according to the proclamation honoring him. He worked in the local and federal government, and was a member of several boards and organizations in the community.
Reuben Liburd was named Crop Farmer of the Year, and Frank Bermudez was chosen as the Livestock Farmer of the year.
Errol A. Chichester, director of crop exhibits, said Liburd is a successful farmer, overcoming difficulties that included irrigation and drainage despite high precipitation.
Lakos said Bermudez, a third-generation St. Croix farmer, has persevered since returning home in 2008 to run the family-farm.
“When you take a bite of local food remember it’s been provided with blood, sweat and tears,” Bermudez told the crowd.
The Education Sweepstakes award went to Eulalie Rivera Elementary School students and art teacher Danica David. The students followed this years fair theme “Agriculture: We’ve Always Been Green” using recycled plastics to make purses, bird feeders, decorative flowers and other useful things.
Memorial awards were presented to honor the passing of past Department of Agricultural employees Mertant Benjamin and Carlos Sanes Roldan.
Speakers at the opening ceremony included Gov. John deJongh Jr., Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen, UVI President David Hall, Senate President Shawn Michael Malone and Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students from the Elena Christian Junior High School Rocketry Club launched two rockets with seed packets as payload to be dispersed over the fair grounds. The first launch was a dud, but after some tweaking the second launch went off perfectly. The seed packets glittering in the sunlight and blew quite a distance, so youngsters had to run a bit to find them.
Fairgoers at Saturday’s opening carried home bags of fresh produce and plants from the Farmer’s Market. Children peeked in cages of livestock and made comments about how big the pigs were and how cute the bunnies were. People had the chance to talk to representatives of community and civic groups. Folks strolled along the midway snacking on fair food and checking out what vendors from all over the Caribbean had for sale. Others rested in the shade and listened to steel pan music or visited with friends and family.
Activities continue Sunday and Monday with entertainment and food demonstrations. Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Agrifest is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension and the Department of Tourism.
