Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings, on Tuesday witnessed firsthand how Trinidad’s young talent is forging a path in agri-entrepreneurship.
The Minister toured the Youth Aquaculture Project in Chaguaramas where he gained some insight into the ‘fish salting’ process alongside the students.
Starting his tour at the processing plant, Minister Cummings learned how to scale and salt fish, trying his hand at packaging the product as well.
He told the students: “I’m sure you’ll be able to utilise what you learn here to expand your horizon and enter into your own business arrangements, and we will also support that.”
Karim, one of the students, spoke about becoming more business savvy while another student, Khalifa, touched on the project’s impact on her knowledge of climate change.
“I’ve learnt so much concerning the production of tropical fish and shellfish, as well as different sorts of molluscs and stuff like that. A lot of business stuff.
“It showed us how this new growing technology could help us in the coming times.”
Minister Cummings ended his tour noting the benefits of the programme on the Blue Economy and acknowledging the team behind the project.
“I feel very encouraged by this Aquaculture Programme. It is the Government’s intention to support our young people and expand their opportunities and the Blue Economy is one of your untapped areas that we felt we would give some emphasis to and that is why we launched this aquaculture programme.”
The Youth Development and National Service Minister encouraged young people to make use of the project and to go into business both locally and internationally.