Cummings: Vital youth programmes being dismantled

Senior Reporter

[email protected]

Former Youth Development Minister Foster Cummings has accused the Government of recklessly dismantling critical youth initiatives, from military-led training programmes to agricultural development schemes, leaving vulnerable young people without opportunities and staff without jobs.

Cummings said that months after the April 28 general election, the Government has failed to restart or give clear direction on programmes such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Military-Led Academic Training Programme (MiLAT), and the Military Led Youth Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training (MYPART), despite participants already being interviewed and selected.

He rejected claims that the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration intended to shut them down.

“Cabinet put two separate committees together—one to review the operation of the programmes, but not to stop them, and another to look at a specific incident of staff misconduct.

“There was never any plan or intention to stop the programme,” Cummings said.

Instead of proceeding with the planned intake, he said the new administration “pulled the plug,” sending staff home and leaving the process in limbo.

Cummings said the neglect extends to youth agricultural programmes, where more than 40 staff have been dismissed and fields left to overgrow.

“You have the situation of a thousand young farmers we trained—not receiving stipends, contractors unpaid, lands overgrown with bush. It’s total dysfunction,” he said.

He warned the collapse of these initiatives would worsen social inequality, erode hope among youth, and drive up crime.

Despite his criticism, Cummings said the Opposition wants the government to succeed, but urged parents and citizens to demand the reactivation of the programmes.

“It cannot be the Opposition alone speaking. Parents, speak up and speak out—it’s affecting the future of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Cummings also blasted what he called “inflammatory and dangerous” rhetoric from members of the new administration, pointing to comments by Defence Minister Wayne Sturge at a Stand Your Ground consultation last week.

Sturge had told attendees that in a home invasion, citizens could “shoot first and explain yourself after,” adding that if criminals disguised as police attempt entry, it is better to defend and live than hesitate and die.

Cummings said such statements reflect a “very, very bad state” in the country.