Port of Spain, January 28, 2025: “There isn’t any programme in the world that models the Youth Agriculture Homestead Programme (YAHP), where a Government is developing land, putting a homestead on it, giving it to young citizens to get involved in agriculture.” These were the words of Youth Development and National Service Minister, the Honourable Foster Cummings, as he toured the Chatham site where homesteads are being built for the successful YAHP Cohort 1 Graduates.
During the tour, Cummings met with some of the young farmers who will soon occupy their allotted homesteads at the Chatham Dairy Farm and engaged them about their plans for the two- acre parcels of land. Mark Boneo, YAHP beneficiary, told Minister Cummings that he plans to use his land for seedling research, as a service for other farmers to improve crop productivity.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) Mr. Narine Charran; Manager for Youth and Women in Agriculture, Mrs. Aaliyah D’Hereaux-Collette; Programme Coordinator -YAHP, Ms. Aneisha Beach; Project Manager of the Land Settlement Agency (LSA), Mr. Kelly Charles; other representatives from LSA and representatives from T&TEC accompanied Minister Cummings on the tour.
The Land Settlement Agency (LSA) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is responsible for facilitating Component 2 of the YAHP Programme, which includes the development of the infrastructure and land located at Chatham Dairy Farm, Fyzabad Field Road, Kendall Dairy Farm – Palo Seco, as well as agricultural lands in Valencia, Gran Couva, Point-a-Pierre, Todds Road, Lopinot and Santa Cruz.
Project Engineer at LSA – Mr. Sonny Jitta, indicated during today’s visit, that “23 homesteads are currently in various phases of construction, with 50 more to begin between February and March, 2025. The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has provided electricity to two (2) of the access roads and are prepared to provide electricity connection to the homesteads, while the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is also on board and working to provide water connections.”
The YAHP is a two-year programme for youth between 18 and 35 years, who will benefit from agricultural training at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT); and upon successful completion will become land lease holders, with a homestead on the land, as well as the necessary technical and financial support to propel them to become successful 21st century agribusiness entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to National Service across Trinidad and Tobago.
(See Photos Enclosed)
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