ADB Supports the Younger Generation in Agriculture
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) visited the Sister’s Road Anglican Primary School, Busy Corner, New Grant on Thursday 6th February, 2020 as part of its continued initiative to support young children involved in agriculture. Sister’s Road AC is involved with the 4H Agriculture Programme which forms part of the Ministry of Education schools’ curriculum. Its population of 75 students, headed by Principal, Mr. Clint Lee and a staff of 7 teachers have embarked on several small agri projects which include aquaculture rearing of tilapia; grow boxes which are currently planted with peppers, lettuce, celery and chive; two vines of barbadine grown in tyres and small crops of tomatoes and seasonings planted on a cleared area to the back of the school’s building. The school is hoping to expand their projects as contact has been made with the relevant authorities for assistance in clearing areas adjacent to the school to start other projects on a wider scale where the students can get more exposure in planting different food crops and vegetables. The ADB’s team, headed by its CEO, Mr. Sheivan Ramnath took the opportunity to interact with the students who were happy to inform of their projects. Also present to give a pep talk to the students was the Bank’s South Branch Manager, Mrs. Sharda Sookram-Mohammed who was able to capture their attention as she showed the importance of growing their own foods which could be sold to help boost the family’s income. The presence of the Bank’s Mobile Banking Unit was a highlight for the students as they were fascinated to know that there was an office in the bus which goes around the country promoting the Bank’s products and services in an effort to help the farmers and other agri-entrepreneurs. For 2020, the Bank has taken a decision to increase its marketing initiatives and have also placed greater focus on instilling in the minds of the younger generation the importance of feeding themselves through agriculture.
ADB supports Rochard Douglas Presbyterian School with agriculture project
On December 3, 2019 the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) visited the Rochard Douglas Presbyterian School in Barrackpore to meet with the students of its 4H Club. The ADB was approached to lend support to the Club’s agriculture project where the school is aiming to re-establish and maintain approximately two and a half (2-1/2) acres of land for a food crop project. At a brief presentation, the Bank’s Corporate Manager-Business Development, Mrs. Wendy Samsundar-Beharry commended the Principal, Mr. Hendrickson H. Hublal, staff and students of the 4H initiative and presented the Club with small agricultural tools and seeds towards the start of the project. Also present was the Bank’s Mobile Banking Unit which the children had an opportunity to visit and receive information on how the Bank uses its bus to visit remote rural areas, meet with the farming communities and promote its products and services. The Rochard Douglas Presbyterian School has an agricultural background where many outstanding competitions have been won at the National Science Competition. Over the years, the school has cupped titles such as, the National Garden Winner and 1st Place winners in Organic Farming, Agro Processing, Nursery and Livestock. The Rochard Douglas Presbyterian School is considered as one of the most prestigious schools in the catchment area of Lengua/Barrackpore where it offers opportunities for students to develop in both academic and non-academic areas. The ADB continues to place focus on youth in agriculture and is geared towards supporting initiatives that promote the importance of food security.
ADB at Tobago World Food Day Celebrations
The ADB partnered with the Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) at their annual World Food Day (WFD) celebrations on October 16 and 17, 2019 at the Parade Grounds adjacent to the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet. The official theme chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for 2019 was “Our Actions Are Our Future. Healthy Diets for a #Zero Hunger world”. Delivering the feature address and officially opening the event was Chief Secretary, Kelvin Charles who visited the 150 booths. The two day event exhibited locally grown and reared agriculture produce and animals. The ADB presented its corporate booth with officers from the Tobago Branch Office along with support from the Business Development and Corporate Communications Departments. The Bank’s Mobile Banking Unit was also on site for both days. The event was deemed a success as numerous patrons visited the ADB’s booth to enquire about its products and services and to obtain further information on their agri-projects.