The Ministry of Agriculture officially launched its 2025 Internship Programme on Monday 30th June, welcoming a young cohort of interns during an opening ceremony held at the Point Wharf Fisheries Complex Conference Room.
The programme, which runs for one month, offer participants hands-on exposure across key departments within the Ministry and in other related areas, including Extension, Fisheries, Veterinary & Livestock, Communications, Agro-processing, Beekeeping and Aquaponics/Hydroponics.
The ceremony opened with a prayer led by Mrs. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Head of the Communications Unit and the MOA Internship Coordinator. Additionally, messages were delivered from Honourable Minister Anthony Smith jr., and Mr. Gregory Bailey/ Director of Agriculture because they both were unable to attend due to other duties overseas. Later, she delivered the vote of thanks, encouraging interns to view the experience not just as a placement, but as an opportunity to shape their professional journey.
Mrs. Nicolette Francis, Education Officer for Agricultural Science at the Ministry of Education, delivered brief remarks. She urged interns to remain curious, professional, and proactive. “Agriculture is evolving,” she said, “and you are stepping into a space where your contribution can matter.”
This internship is designed to give serious Agricultural Science students meaningful field experience, deepen their understanding of the agricultural sector, and introduce them to the real-world demands of public service.
Present were fifteen interns which consisted of nine females and six males ages ranging from 15 – 20years old. The combination included young persons from Antigua Girls High School, Antigua Grammar School, Clare Hall Secondary School, Irene B Williams Secondary School. Jennings Secondary School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, Sir McChesney George Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy and a former student of the Christ the King High School who is currently pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics.
Fresh energy meets fertile ground — and the season of learning has begun.