In memory of Professor Monty Patrick Jones for :
Astounding work accomplished, especially in the African Agricultural Research for Development Sector; with special reference to his commitment to research on rice breeding at the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), formally the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA), which led to the discovery of a ground breaking scientific process, indeed, that resulted in the creation of the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) and very postive impact on rice production in Africa, and also earned him the prestigious World Food Prize;
His relentless efforts, whilst he was the Executive Director of FARA, in strengthen agricultural research partnership at the national, continental and global levels, which ensured postive gains in all aspects of Africa's agriculture sector, to the benefit of the African population;
His loyal service rendered to his beloved country , Sierra Leone, in the areas of agriculture, first as Ambassador plenipotentiary and special adviser to the former President of Sierra Leone, and then as Minister of Agriculture.
His steadfastness in the personal support and advice he gave me all throughout my career, as a young scientist, encouraging me to represent FARA in the Boards of various new Agricultural Research Institutions that he helped establish when he was Executive Director of FARA, his confidence in me when he assigned me the tasks to develop the programme for improving the application of modern biotechnology to African agriculture; his relentless support to me when I was appointed Director General of AfricaRice, in facilitating the engagement with several government ministers in Africa, including the government of Sierra Leone, to fulfill AfricaRice's mission of improving rice production to meet the demands of the African population.
Monty has trully lived a fulfilled life on earth and has indeed played his part on the earhtly stage. Let us celebrate his life and not forget his great accomplshments and service to Africa.
I would take this opportunity to express my heartfelt sympathy to his wife Geraldine, his beloved children and relatives; and pray that his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Harold Roy-Macauley former Executive Director of CORAF/WECARD, former Director General of AfricaRice and formar CGIAR Managing Director for Regions and Partnership.
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