On Friday 19th January 2024, the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Candace A. Bond paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service’s (MYDNS) Head Office at #2 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, to discuss the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Youth Resilience, Inclusion and Empowerment Y-RIE) program in Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking with the Minister of Youth Development and National Service the Honourable Foster Cummings and other Ministry officials, the Ambassador praised the work done by the MYDNS in its development of strategic programs, aimed at nurturing the Nation’s youth and propagating a culture of entrepreneurship. The Ambassador discussed the importance of program integrations, with a view toward improving youth resilience to crime and violence, through enhancing youth workforce preparedness and strengthening community family systems.
Minister Cummings expressed the Ministry’s interest in working alongside the Ambassador and USAID and believes that this strategic partnership will serve to strengthen the youth resilience effort within Trinidad and Tobago. MYDNS Representatives present at the meeting included Permanent Secretary – MYDNS, Narine Charran, Deputy Permanent Secretary – MYDNS, Savitri Balkaran, Director, Youth Affairs Division – MYDNS, Sean Ramrattan and National Service Co-ordinator – MYDNS, Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards.
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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