Wayne Wilson, a 35-year-old farmer, suffered big losses to his farm in Burnt Ground, Hanover. The farm was noted for an abundance of ackees. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Before the onset of Tropical Storm Gustav, agriculture was a booming business for 35-year-old Wayne Wilson, but after heavy rains and winds associated with the system pelted the island, affecting his crops, he is now forced to pick up the pieces.

Wilson a native of Burnt Ground, Hanover, explains that his field comprising three acres of coconuts, five acres of peppers and 12 acres of ackees have been severely affected, losses are estimated in excess of $500,000.

Being resilient

Though disheartened, he said he is coping at the moment and he strongly believes in being resilient, overcoming challenges, maintaining commitment to his chosen profession and faith in his abilities as a farmer.

"Sometimes I feel so frustrated, but I'm reminded that you just can't give up at the end of the day," he said.

Wilson also said he intended to replant all damaged crops and salvage what could be saved.

The young farmer's experience in the field began while growing up with his father, who was also a very active farmer in the parish.

Established farmer

But Wilson's exodus into agriculture was fully realised in 2000 when he quit his job in the tourism sector for agriculture.

At that time, he began planting a variety of crops on the 10 hectares of land he inherited from his father.

Starting a business in agriculture with no formal training in the sector, Wilson benefited from the support of his family who were also financiers of his business enterprise.

Now an established farmer employing four workers, Wilson supplies supermarkets and vendors with peppers and coconuts, while hot peppers and yams are cultivated for the export market.