The Honourable Foster Cummings, MP

Minister of Youth Development and National Service

A consummate professional and lifelong businessman, the Honourable Foster Cummings MP, began his political career in 2008, as a temporary Government Senator and served in this capacity until April, 2010. He continued his political career, serving as an Opposition Senator and from 2015 as a Government Senator, until his appointment as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, in January, 2020.

During his tenure as a Government Senator, he served on several Committees including; the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, The Government Assurances Committees, the Committee on State Enterprises, as well as Public Administration and Appropriation Committee.

As a Senator, the Honourable Foster Cummings also contributed to several debates, notably, the Anti-gang Legislation, 2018; the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2019; the Administration of Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and the Motions to approve the Children’s Community Residences Regulations and to consider the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Born in 1973 and a native of Indian Trail, Couva, the Honourable Foster Cummings was elected as the Member of Parliament for La Horquetta/Talparo in August, 2020 and appointed as the Minister in the Ministry of Works and Transport. Minister Cummings has a lifelong involvement in numerous youth-focused and youth-centred developmental initiatives, along with his wealth of experience and unique track record in the many leadership roles he held from a young age, one of which is a founding member of the Heliconia Foundation for Young Professionals. This demonstrates his true patriotism and advocacy for youth development.

Minister Cummings’ proficiency at corporate governance is bolstered by his attainment of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine; and an Associate of Arts Degree in Co-Operative Studies from the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-Operative Studies. In 2021, he also attained a Masters of Business Administration with specialization in Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Anglia Ruskin University. Minister Cummings’ training in Co-operative Studies and experience as a former Cooperative Officer at the Ministry of Labour and Cooperatives have enabled him to gain considerable experience in cooperative societies; develop strong relations with the Credit Union sector; and establish a strong community network across Trinidad and Tobago.

In April 2021, the Honourable Foster Cummings was appointed Minister of Youth Development and National Service, and is now charged with the responsibility for Youth Development and National Service, which has within its remit; the Military–led Academic Training Programme (MiLAT), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Military-led Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training (MYPART), the Geriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme (GAPP), the Retiree Adolescent Partnership Programme (RAPP) and the Transition Homes. He also has responsibility for Youth Development Apprenticeship Centres, Youth Facilities Cooperative Development, Micro and Small Enterprise Development; Friendly Societies; and the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (NEDCO).

Minister Foster Cummings is passionate about the development of all young people and remains committed to creating and facilitating an array of programmes that target their developmental needs; and support the youth development agenda for Trinidad and Tobago.