By Val Matthias. Updated 3:43 p.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Thirty-five young Vincentians have completed a six-week internship programme aimed at preparing them for careers, further education and business opportunities in agriculture and the wider food system.
The participants took part in the 2026 Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme, or YASIP, organised by the Zero Hunger Trust Fund.
They completed placements with 21 host organisations across the agriculture and food sectors.
Their achievements were recognised during a closing ceremony on August 25, 2026, at the NIS Conference Room in Kingstown.
According to the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, 38 interns began the programme, with 35 completing their placements a completion rate of more than 92 per cent.
The programme provides young people with practical work experience, mentorship and exposure to career opportunities in agriculture and related areas.
The Fund’s Director and Chief Executive, Safiya Horne-Bique, said YASIP was designed to help young people connect classroom learning with the realities of the workplace.
She said the programme allows participants to develop technical and transferable skills while exploring opportunities in further education, employment, entrepreneurship and national service.
The interns also took part in a two-day study tour, which gave them exposure to host organisations beyond their individual placements.
The Zero Hunger Trust Fund said several participants earned CSEC Agricultural Science passes ranging from Grades One to Three.
It also said some interns received opportunities to continue working with their host organisations through paid employment, voluntary service and other arrangements.
Ten interns were recognised through the Fund’s “10 For 10 Youth in Agriculture” spotlight for demonstrating exceptional promise.
Meanwhile, Jahaziel Garraway of the St Vincent Grammar School received the Chief Executive’s Award for the Most Outstanding YASIP Intern for 2026, following his placement at Sunshine Valley Farm in Clare Valley.
The programme was supported by the SVG Conservation Fund, which partnered with YASIP for the third consecutive year.
The Zero Hunger Trust Fund says it hopes the programme will help develop a new generation of young people prepared to contribute to agriculture, food security and sustainable development in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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This article was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com.
