PORT OF SPAIN, April 01, 2022: Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings, today, delivered the Feature Address at the Signing Ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) and the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) for the Implementation of the Mayo Community Agricultural Project (MCAP). The Ceremony took place at the Government Campus Plaza in Port of Spain.
“The Mayo Community Agricultural Project is expected to improve the livelihood of the residents of the Mayo community and environs whose incomes may have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also increase youth engagement in the agricultural sector, in accordance with the National Youth Policy (2020-2025),” explained Minister Cummings.
The Mayo Community Agriculture Project (MCAP), will promote training in Sustainable Agricultural Practices, the development of a Farmers’ Agricultural Co-operative, and the development of a Model Farm. Additionally, in collaboration with the Trinidad Cement Limited and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, this project will allow for the utilization of forty acres of TCL lands in the Mayo community, to facilitate a minimum of forty small-scale farming operations, for residents of Mayo and environs.
Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries pledged his Ministry’s support to the MYDNS stating “I want to reaffirm our commitment to working together with the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) and the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) as we continue to put people first…we welcome this avenue to improve food security, increase employment, and promote healthy social interactions, especially in a rural community.”
During his brief remarks, Mr. Guillermo Rojo De Diego, General Manager of Trinidad Cement Limited, expressed his willingness to partner with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, to give the young people of the Mayo community an opportunity to become involved in agriculture.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
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