Youth Development and National Service, Mrs. Coomarie Goolabsingh- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and Mrs. Shanmatee Singh Ng Sang- Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development stands with awardees at the YAHP Graduation Ceremony.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) hosted its Graduation Ceremony for the first cohort of the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP) at the Auditorium, Level 4, Government Campus Plaza, Corner Ajax and Richmond Streets, Port of Spain on Tuesday 6th June, 2023. Through YAHP, one hundred and sixty-eight (168) young people were awarded Certificates for the successful completion of Level 1 of the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme.
The Honourable Foster Cummings- Minister of Youth Development and National Service in his Feature Address stated, “YAHP was developed to create greater access to locally grown and produced healthy food. You, graduands, will help Trinbagonians to have healthier diets and a more sustainable lifestyle. Our nation’s future, our comfort, stability and security depend on your efforts” as he congratulated the graduands.
“Rest assured you would not alone in this journey, the Government and people have already committed to the second phase of this journey and your new ECIAF UTT family will always be there for you” Dr. Marlon Knights, Professor in the faculty of Bio-Sciences Agriculture and Food Technology as he expressed congratulations to the graduands and reminded them of the tremendous support and resources at their disposal for the remaining phases of the programme.
Ms. Nikita Legall in her Valedictory Address emphasised her gratitude and pride in her fellow graduates. “If you want to go fast go alone and if you want to go far together” as she quoted an old African proverb, she reminded them of the power of the community they developed and the
importance of unity.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein- Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, and Mr. Farook Hosein- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development and National Service. Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh – Minister in the
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries was also present at the event.
The ceremony commemorated the completion of Year 1 of the YAHP programme. Having completed the comprehensive training in crop production and animal husbandry, graduates will now matriculate
to Year 2 of the programme where they will gain access to land and technical and financial support. On the successful completion of Year 2, trainees would move to become land lease holders.
award recipient Mr. Shane Ali.
In keeping with Pillar 6 of the National Youth Policy which emphasises youth contributions to rural transformation, agricultural production and food security, the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme is a strategic social intervention that provides young nationals with the opportunity to become 21st century agri-entrepreneurs. YAHP comprises of three key
components, namely, Agricultural Apprenticeship Training, Infrastructure Development and Business Advisory and Support Services. Each component is meticulously curated to ensure the success of its participants.
The Programme also included a special segment for prizes in the following areas:
- Valedictorians: Jelaja Johnson and Nikita Legall
- Top Student for Livestock Technology 1 &2: Shane Ali
- Top student for Crop Technology 1 and 2: Shane Ali
- Top students in Agro-processing and Agro- Commodity Utilization: Kayla Cox
- Top students in Introduction to Farm Management: Shannon Callender and Angel Glasgow
- Leadership Award: Mwale Henry
- Entrepreneurship Award: Mark Boneo
- Excellence in Technology Award: Simone Gayadeen
- Civic- mindedness Award: Akilah Hughes-Pantin
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.
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