Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, officially launched the 40 Under 40 Programme on Monday 30th January, 2023 at Castle Killarney (Stollmeyer’s Castle). Minister Cummings in his Feature Address reminded the Youth Development Influencers present that, “You cannot make it alone; this life is about sharing experiences.” Minister Cummings emphasized the importance of helping younger generations to build on the lessons they have learnt.
The 40 Under 40 Programme allows Secondary School students, primarily Third and Fourth Form students, to interact and engage with young “movers and shakers” who are established entrepreneurs, entertainers, sportsmen and fashion designers to name a few. These Youth Development Influencers, most of whom are under the age of forty (40) years, continue to excel in various sectors. Through the programme, the Influencers will share their testimonies and life experiences that can improve students’ life perspectives and create opportunities for success.
“Our young people are full of promise. They just need a helping hand so they know that someone cares about their progress”, Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby- Dolly shared as she described the young persons targeted by this programme.
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Communications, the Honourable Symon de Nobriga, also delivered remarks at the event. In his address he stressed the importance of listening to young persons. He stated, “Many young people believe they are going unheard. The 40 Under 40 programme allows young persons to express themselves.”
Also present at the launch was the Honourable Ayanna Webster- Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs), Mr. Keith Scotland, Member of Parliament – Port of Spain South and Mr. Roger Monroe, Member of Parliament – Toco/Sangre Grande.
The 40 Under 40 programme was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. This programme will positively affect the lives of thousands of our nation’s youth. Youth Development Influencers are selected based on their contributions to youth development and professional achievements. The Youth Development Influencers include selected for the School Caravans are:
- Ainka Will – Media Practitioner
- Andrew Lewis – Olympian
- Cowin Thorpe – Digital Creator
- Derron Sandy – Spoken Word Poet
- Dr. Alina S. Williams – Clinical Psychologist
- James Saunders – Broadcaster & Journalist
- Joel ‘Positive’ Murray – Gospel Singer/ Song writer
- Keegan Simon – Entrepreneur
- Nyoshia Cain-Claxton – Paralympian
- Sule A Joseph – Psychologist
- Tenille Clarke – Publicist
- Thaddeus ‘Thaddy Boom’ Jardine – Spoken Word Poet
- Tya Jané Ramey – Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2022
- Valmiki Maharaj – Creative Director
The confirmed schools for the Caravans are:
- El Dorado East Secondary School
- Tranquillity Government Secondary School
- Brazil Secondary School
- Carapichaima West Secondary School
- Five Rivers Secondary School
- Point Fortin West Secondary School
- Mucurapo West Secondary School
- Union Claxton Bay Secondary School
- Barataria North Secondary School
- Morvant/Laventille Secondary School
- Valencia Secondary School
- Moruga Secondary School
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to provide programmes and services that cater to the personal and professional needs of our youth.