Ryan Bachoo
One hundred and sixty-eight (168) young people were awarded certificates for the successful completion of Level 1 of the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme as the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) hosted its Graduation Ceremony for the first cohort of the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme on Tuesday.
In delivering the feature address, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings said, “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."
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.
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