Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, initiated upgrade and construction works of the National Service Complex at the former Teacher’s Training College in Mausica on Tuesday 13th December 2022. The upgraded and completed facility will accommodate 300 young cadets and create an enabling environment, which promotes and encourages youth participation. This residential programme will allow aspiring youth to benefit from the pool of programmes designed to inculcate important values; aid in the acquisition of essential skills and support the development of successful individuals.
In his Feature Address at the event, Minister Cummings informed the attendees, “Simply put, National Service is meant to encompass a broad range of activities and aspirations including volunteerism; civic and social activism; disaster recovery; environmental conservation; entrepreneurial development and other nation-building endeavours. The National Service Complex will provide the opportunity for young people holistic development and serve as a catalyst for the youths to reflect positively in society.”
Major David Benjamin, Programme Director, Specialized Youth Service Programme
(MYDNS) articulated and endorsed Minister Cummings statement, “This space has been known for human capital and development in which several citizens have grown. It has been synonymous for the transformation of productive minds of young people in Trinidad and Tobago. With the National Service Complex, we believe it will be the impetus at the highest level of what this space can produce.”
The Chief Executive Officer for the National Maintenance Training and Service Company (MTS), Mr Lennox Rattansingh also spoke at the event and gave a detailed overview of the work to be done stating, “The MYDNS has been quite busy from Los Bajos to St. Michael’s School for Boys, St. James Youth Centre, and last week at El Dorado Youth Camp. At MTS, we are glad to be part of that vision to help execute and implement. This project will be completed at a cost of 24.75 million dollars and the works will include the following renovation and restoration of 10 areas plus 3 new buildings, dormitories, staff quarters, vehicle maintenance quarters, bulk stores, a pavilion and restoration of the existing playing field.”
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, recognizes the need across all age groups and sectors, for shared responsibility, common values and positive experiences, as well as improvement within communities. As such the Ministry will create opportunities for the national community to contribute to the National Service agenda for Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all key stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourage civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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