Port of Spain, December 13, 2024: TheMinistry of Youth Development and National Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited (EPOS), at the MYDNS’ Head Office, to provide a framework for the design, implementation and execution of Youth Development, National Service, Entrepreneurship and Co-operative Development Training Programmes in East Port of Spain.
Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, during his address emphasized that, “This MOU concretizes the Government’s commitment to the development of communities across Trinidad and Tobago and is a clear indication of the ongoing relationship between the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited that has been maintained over the last three (3) years.”
Minister Cummings added that this relationship has resulted in, “Successes that include the refurbishment and rebranding of the Basilon Youth Development Centre and the soon to be refurbishment and repurposing of the old Desperadoes headquarters in Laventille.”
The Minister noted that residents of East Port of Spain have benefitted from Programmes such as Youth and Women in Agriculture, Youtec, Specialized Youth Service Programmes (CCC, MILAT), Youth on Stage and Youth Caravans and further highlighted that ‘We are rolling out initiatives in Sealots, Beetham Gardens, Belmont, Laventille, Morvant, Malick, East Dry River and other areas in Port of Spain. It is also our intention to laser-focus and target these communities that are experiencing challenges and introduce training and development programmes, so that those young people who some consider lost and without purpose, can have a new lease on life.”
MYDNS’ signatory to the MOU, Permanent Secretary Narine Charran, noted, “This initiative will serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of youth in East Port of Spain and environs, to achieve their full potential and become productive civic-minded citizens.” The PS continued, “This MOU is the beginning of a collaboration between the MYDNS and the East Port of Spain Development Company that will benefit the youth of East Port of Spain and environs, through the development and implementation of critical policies which will offer support in various areas.”
Chairman of the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited, Hillan Morean, expressed gratitude stating, “I am thankful for this collaboration with state agencies such as: the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, in such a targeted manner to impact the youths who need it the most”. Morean added, “This collaboration will positively impact young people across 19 communities throughout East Port of Spain and environs and reverse the negative stigma associated with EPOS”.
This collaboration will serve as a transformative beacon for urban regeneration that will improve the economic, social and physical conditions throughout the redevelopment of strategically located sites.
Through this strategic alliance, particular emphasis will be placed on: Young Women in Business between the age of 18-35 years old; and at risk youths between the ages of 18-25 years old. The collaboration will stand as a pillar of innovation, aimed at nurturing the growth and expansion of youth residents within East Port of Spain and environs.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens, like EPOS, to contribute to National Service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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