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Dr. OmerThomas is the newly appointed Chairman of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). A graduate of the JSA, Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, and a Masters and PhD in Pathology and Virology.
His early contributions to the agricultural sector were in the area of research – a field in which he had distinguished himself prior to completing his first degree, having received the McGill University Biology award for his research leading to the discovery of viral diseases affecting Sugar Maple, and the molecular characterization of the virus.
Founder of the Phytoviva Group of Companies, Dr. Thomas later entered the commercial arena as an Agri-Business consultant specializing in project development, laboratory diagnostic services and export facilitation for local, regional and international organizations including the CDB, FAO, USAID, CIDA and the OAS. He played a seminal role in the development of Jamaica’s papaya industry and spearheaded the formulation of policy and legislation on genetic engineering, bio-safety and genetically modified foods.
A man of varied accomplishments, Dr. Thomas is also a widely published author. In addition, he brings to the table a wealth of experience, having managed one of the island’s largest statutory organizations and served on a number of Boards among which are: the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Pan American Standards Commission, the Vocational Training Development Institute, the National Planning Council of Jamaica and the National Council on Technical Vocational Education & Training (NCTVET).
He currently heads the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards & Quality; he is a member of the American Pathological Society; the Jamaican Society for Scientists & Technologists; and is a past President of the Jamaica Society for Agricultural Sciences.
Dr. Thomas also has the distinction of having been included in the Who is Who in the World in 1997, as well as being listed in the Gleaner’s Directory of Jamaican Personalities in 2005.
He is married with two daughters.
His early contributions to the agricultural sector were in the area of research – a field in which he had distinguished himself prior to completing his first degree, having received the McGill University Biology award for his research leading to the discovery of viral diseases affecting Sugar Maple, and the molecular characterization of the virus.
Founder of the Phytoviva Group of Companies, Dr. Thomas later entered the commercial arena as an Agri-Business consultant specializing in project development, laboratory diagnostic services and export facilitation for local, regional and international organizations including the CDB, FAO, USAID, CIDA and the OAS. He played a seminal role in the development of Jamaica’s papaya industry and spearheaded the formulation of policy and legislation on genetic engineering, bio-safety and genetically modified foods.
A man of varied accomplishments, Dr. Thomas is also a widely published author. In addition, he brings to the table a wealth of experience, having managed one of the island’s largest statutory organizations and served on a number of Boards among which are: the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Pan American Standards Commission, the Vocational Training Development Institute, the National Planning Council of Jamaica and the National Council on Technical Vocational Education & Training (NCTVET).
He currently heads the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards & Quality; he is a member of the American Pathological Society; the Jamaican Society for Scientists & Technologists; and is a past President of the Jamaica Society for Agricultural Sciences.
Dr. Thomas also has the distinction of having been included in the Who is Who in the World in 1997, as well as being listed in the Gleaner’s Directory of Jamaican Personalities in 2005.
He is married with two daughters.
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