St. George's Grenada, Friday, April 16th, 2010: The Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports continues to show support to, not only the young people of the nation, but also towards the enhancement of the agricultural sector through the increased involvement of youth in this sector.

At the recent launch of the Grenada Agricultural Forum for Youth (GAFY), Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports, Hon. Patrick Simmons extended commendations to the Ministry of Agriculture for the re-establishment of the forum.

Minister Simmons explained, “Young people actually want to get involved in agriculture but there are many hindering factors that prevent them from getting involved; so with the organization of this forum I believe that we will see a greater thrust from our youth involved in agriculture.”

The Minister went on to state that his Ministry’s commitment to the development of the agricultural sector can be clearly seen in the revitalization of the T.A.M.C.C Mirabeau Campus. He noted that “previously there were only two young people enrolled per year, but since the start of the programme [GYET Agriculture programme] we see over fifty young persons being involved and I know they are there because they are interested in agriculture.”

He added that it is the intention of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports to provide the participants with small loans through its Grenada Youth Enterprise Initiative (GYEI) programme after completing the required training.  The Ministry is also looking forward to working with the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Community Development to provide the participants with idle lands for agricultural production.

Minister Simmons also spoke of plans to establish a fisheries school which will provide an opportunity for more young people to get involved in the fishing sector. 

The Minister, on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports congratulated the organizers of GAFY for the re-establishment of such an important organization.