Port of Spain, February 03, 2025: Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, today, received a Courtesy Call from His Excellency Jon Dean, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Mrs. Chinali Patel, Head of Political, Economic and Press at the British High Commission, accompanied His Excellency on the visit to the Ministry’s head office in St. Clair.
During the visit, His Excellency conveyed his pleasure in visiting the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) highlighting that “Youth and the issues youth face are of significant importance.” His Excellency briefed Minister Cummings on the British High Commission’s UK priorities and project work in youth engagement, as well as development and woman empowerment.
Minister Cummings expressed, with enthusiasm that “the British High Commission’s areas of focus in advancing youth development, align with those of the MYDNS.” Acting Permanent Secretary, MYDNS – Ms. Savitri Balkaran emphasized the value of collaboration stating, “The MYDNS partners with various stakeholders in the roll out of programmes to advance the youth development agenda for Trinidad and Tobago”.
Opportunities for future collaboration were also discussed during the visit, particularly relating to agriculture, climate change and national service.
Director, Youth Affairs Division – Mr. Sean Ramrattan; Manager, Youth and Women in Agriculture – Mrs. Aaliyah D’Hereaux-Collette; and Manager, National Service – Mrs. Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards, were also part of the discussions.
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.
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