Second-year and third-year Agricultural Science/Crop Production students showcased work related to the environment as part of their overall assessment and consumer trading. The initiative unfolded at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), School of Learning, Cognition and Education at the Corinth Campus in Ste Madeleine on November 26. The 14 students formed three groups, and came up with themes of their choice, that were in keeping with biodiversity and the environment. The group Gyal Farm consisted of five members Janelle Baptiste, Kimberly Raghunath, Jernelle Henry, Shelene John, and Onella Pascall. The Agri Seekers members were Dinesh Nohar, Amanda Ramlochan, Aamela Abdool, Stephanie Mohammed, and Dana Vincent, while the Green Thumbs comprised Brad Leelum, Amelia Ragoonath, Jacqueline Roberts, and Anika Ramlal.
The members of Gyal Farm said they pooled their ideas, and developed a scenic and environmentally friendly area, outside the campus building. They said it was ideal for socialising on a bright sunny day. The Agri Seekers team opted for an internal presentation. They featured information on charts that showed the pros and cons of what they have learnt. The Green Thumb's team focused on landscaping, plants and it's produce of agriculture. The three groups concurred that funding their projects posed a major challenge, and admitted that they used some unusual methods to raise funds to complete the projects. "We literally stood in the hallways and begged for money. It was desperation times and we hustled $400 towards this final project.
"This area (pointing to the transformed mini park) took a budget of $7,000 for gravel, fox tail ferns, Chinese bamboo, oyster lilies and marigold, also known as stinking suzy flowers. "But we got assistance with funds and lawn grass by the course lecturer, Hugh Wilson and co-ordinator Dr Francis," group member Janelle Baptiste said. Cheryl-Ann Jackson, manager of the Students Development at UTT, said she always looked forward to the event because it not only formed part of the marking scheme, but also meant there would be plants and vegetables for sale.