Kingston woman hopes to start own farm

Since 2017 Chris-Ann Levy, who hails from Rockfort, Kingston, has been making strides in the agricultural sector, working as a supervisor at Rocksprings Farm in the parish.

"This job is like a hope for me. I don't see anything else that I would be interested in, because I really love farming," said Levy, 25, who is a Former ward of the State.

She said she enjoys the bond she shares with the animals and told THE STAR that she never thought she would fall in love with animal husbandry so easily.

"I especially love working with the pigs. It started more like a fun thing, but, right here, is like my second yard. Here is like a family yard for everybody," she said.

Levy said that she was introduced to Rocksprings Farm owner Dale Muir by an ex, who was working at the farm that time.

"I came here one day and liked the work, and then I asked for it. My plan is to have my own farm and build on the start that Dale gave me. He showed me a lot about the animals, especially the pigs (the farm's main livestock). Even though I am a supervisor, I follow Dale around and help him in the slaughterhouse, but most days I plant," she said. According to Muir, Levy's dedication to the work makes her stand out.

DEDICATION

"Of the three women that work here, Chrissy has been here the longest. But not only that, she is the one with the most inspirational story. Her work and dedication often eclipse workers here, even the men," he said.

Levy was sent to the Glenhope Place of Safety when she was 13. She found life difficult without the support of a mother, whom she said deserted her as a child. The situation also overwhelmed her father, despite his best efforts.

But Levy displayed plenty of grit and determination to turn her life around. In 2012, she earned a diploma in sewing after completing a skills training course at the Family Court Attendance Centre on Duke Street, Kingston.

Despite the various flare-ups of violence that surround her in Rockfort, Levy said she will not allow anything to distract her from her dream.

"Mi used to be hot and dem things deh, enuh. Maybe if yuh did come here another time yuh would not believe it is me. Those (things) no really bother mi anymore ... . I am doing something honest. I leave work at five in the evenings and start at nine in the mornings. But sometimes mi deh yah earlier than that, and sometimes mi leave late fi ensure things in place," she said.

Levy also had a message for those who look down on the profession.

"A lot of times when I am going home people look at me in scorn, but I don't care about that because a work mi a come from. My message is very simple; a honest living can take you a very far way in life, so no watch what people have to say. No matter how important yuh think a person is, him affi eat food, so farmers are important," she said.