New Blue Economy Youth Empowerment Project Targets Youth Skills And Jobs
More than 300 young people seeking careers in Trinidad and Tobago’s growing fisheries and maritime sectors can benefit from a new youth empowerment programme which is already attracting significant demand.
The Blue Economy Youth Empowerment Project, led by the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute, comes at a time when Trinidad and Tobago is moving beyond traditional uses of its marine resources and finding new ways to generate economic value while protecting the environment.
What began with a small group of students is now opening doors to more, according to the Institute’s principal, Wesley Pancham.
« Yes, we began with 44 participants; 309 more are waiting to enter, 353 young people choosing possibility over limitation. I do not see a waiting list. I see 309 futures waiting for opportunity. Future fishers, technicians, entrepreneurs, maritime professionals and community leaders who will shape Trinidad and Tobago. »
With this investment in young people, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram noted that the country’s approach to the ocean must change. A focus on sustainable development and greater benefits for coastal communities must be adopted.
« Aquaculture is creating new possibilities for controlled and sustainable aquatic food production. Food processing and value addition are creating opportunities beyond the landing sites. And marine services are generating demand for new technical competencies. Entrepreneurship is creating opportunities for young people to move from being job seekers to becoming job creators. This is why programmes such as this one really matters. »
The Minister also pointed to the growing importance of aquaculture and the potential for T&T to benefit from developments in aquatic food production.
« While Latin America and the Caribbean recorded a significant aquatic animal trade surplus for Trinidad and Tobago. This presents a very important opportunity for all of us. Such young people must bring something that the sector urgently needs: a willingness to innovate, a willingness to create, and a willingness to be the pioneer of your future and your destiny. »
The project is also receiving support from the marine sector. President of the Marine Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago Jesse James described the initiative as an important investment in workforce renewal.
« This effort aligns directly with our sector’s urgent need for training and workforce renewal. By involving young people in the community level, we are creating, lifestyle, lifelong, technical skills for you, young people. »
The project aims to equip young people with technical skills while preparing them for opportunities across fisheries, aquaculture, maritime services, food processing and other areas of the blue economy.
