Our History
FIPA was established in 1917.
According to Sir Francis Kerr-Jarret, 'Sir Arthur's abiding love of the land and his realization of the part it must play in the future of Jamaica, made him give up the practice of Law. He realized that the farmer did not have sufficient say in the disposal of his products, whether sold locally or abroad and, due to complete lack of marketing liaisons, this would continue unless something desperate was done.'
We have moved a long way from our initial history.
It is instructive that Norman Washington Manley, National Hero of Jamaica, was a member of the Association.
The Association started as a British Commonwealth entity in the anticipation that their initiatives in Jamaica could serve as a model for other Commonwealth nations. The fact that honorary members included some of the most powerful members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons in the British Parliament and internationally famous professionals, speaks to the prestige of the Association. Read the full overview here.
The Board of Directors acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of the former Chairman, the Honourable Frank Phipps, O.J., Q.C. to Jamaica and to FIPA itself. Hon Frank Phipps remains active in public life. Kenneth Jones, C.D. J.P., the former General Secretary, passed in 2015. See a tribute to Ken Jones here and a gem discovered on the web that discusses the launch of one of his books, Marcus Garvey Said.
