Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, appointed a new Management Committee for the implementation of the Youth Aquaculture Project on Wednesday 10th January, 2024.
Minister Cummings in presenting the Instruments of Appointments to the new committee, at the office of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) in St. Clair, reminded the Committee, “We are taking the necessary steps to achieve our mission to make a clear path for our young people to have a better, brighter tomorrow in aquaculture.”
Minister Cummings also expressed, “I will like to thank the members of the Committee, who are invested in providing the support for our young people to live productive lives.”
The Youth Aquaculture Management Committee is comprised of professionals from various fields, who are tasked with overseeing and supporting the effective delivery of the project, by providing oversight; critically evaluating the Programme’s training structure; developing and implementing enhancements and improving the experience and outcome for participants.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Narine Charran and Ms. Savitri Balkaran, Deputy Permanent Secretary were present to witness the appointment of the Committee, which is strategically placed to explore opportunities for the establishment of consumer and business markets for the sale of the Youth Aquaculture Co-operative products, both local and internationally.
Newly-appointed Chairman of the Committee, Professor Ann-Marie Bissessar shared, “This initiative is not just about development, but about taking our youths and channelling them into areas that are tied to food security. Minister Cummings is paving the way for future generations, by laying the foundations for our youths to become unbeatable in the quest for food security.”
Shiel Williams, a current student of the Youth Aquaculture Project in her remarks said, “Since the inception of the Aquaculture Project, many students – including myself – have been enthusiastic about learning new content, which has strongly impacted our personal and professional development. We are all looking forward to this interactive and innovative training.”
The Youth Aquaculture Project was introduced by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service in 2023 to promote sustainable aquaculture production systems and processes to the nation’s youths; through breeding, raising and harvesting fish, shellfish and aquatic plants. Participants are also exposed to production and management, post-harvesting and marketing.
The Youth Aquaculture Project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.
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.
The Committee members who will serve for an 18-month term are:
Professor Ann-Marie Bissessar- Chairman
Mrs. Aaliyah D’Hereaux-Collette – Member
Mr. Brian Garcia – Member
Ms. Kezia Ramsay – Member
Ms. Devica Sookoo – Member
Mr. Harnarine Lalla – Member
Mr. Daniel Robinson- Member,
Mrs. Denise Dickson-Cunningham – Member
Ms. Janelle Joe – Member.
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