Young entrepreneur and recipient of the PM Youth Award finds inspiration in chicken loss

Nineteen-year-old Carlton Bell Jr is basking in the glory of his recent achievement – winning the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for excellence in agriculture. The young entrepreneur, who is a first-year banking and finance student at The University of the West Indies, Mona, was honoured for his dedication and hard work in the field of agriculture.

Bell, the owner of Scotts Hall’s Farms, started his business at the age of 16 and has since grown it to include livestock such as chickens, goats, and pigs, as well as crops like plantains and pumpkin. Despite facing setbacks, such as losing an entire batch of chickens due to fridge failure, Bell’s determination and passion for agriculture have driven him to success.

With two full-time and four part-time employees, Bell’s business is thriving, and he has received accolades such as The Inspiring Student Leader Award and the St Mary 4H Clubs National Champion Youth Farmer. Looking ahead, Bell plans to invest more in his agribusiness and become the CEO of a holding company.

A strong advocate for mentorship and volunteerism, Bell encourages other young people to pursue their dreams and never give up. His story serves as an inspiration to the youth in his community and beyond, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.