REMINDING the public of their plans for the young people of this country has been a strategy for both PNM and UNC during the 2025 election campaign.
During a PNM meeting at the Exodus Pan Theatre in Tunapuna on April 5, many young people turned up in their numbers and La Horquetta/Talparo MP Foster Cummings used the opportunity to reinforce the party's commitment to them.
From 7 pm, youngsters clad in red arrived at the panyard, many of them waving flags and blowing horns. Some of them too young to understand the significance of the meeting, maybe more interested in the popcorn on sale.
By 8.30 pm the venue was packed with all the available seating taken.
Cummings, who is also the Minister of Youth Development and National Service, highlighted many areas to support young people.
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"Let us talk about their (UNC) influence on the young people," he said. "Do you remember the UNC in office closing down every youth programme they could put their hands on...they shut down all.
"When I told them that last year, one of them jump out and say, 'It is not we, is the PNM shut it down.' Google who close down El Dorado Youth Camp and you will see it was the UNC government."
He said the PNM have trained more than 1,400 farmers in TT through the agricultural programme called the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme, which gives farmers certification through the University of TT. People who complete the programme are given two acres of land to start their own business, among other incentives.
"We have determined that the young people of this country are productive and if given the opportunity will realise their fullest potential."
Cummings said hundreds of young people have been trained to operate trucks, bulldozers and excavators.
Reflecting on an interaction with a young man recently, Cummings said, "I just want to thank you and the government...he said you all had a programme in heavy equipment operation. I am a graduate of that, and now I am working, employed and operating heavy equipment.
"I (Cummings) was sure we were on to something good when Dr (Keith) Rowley set up the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service."
The speech by Cummings was well received as horns were blown and flags waved after every notable point.
The other speakers on the night were Prime Minister Stuart Young, Tunapuna MP Esmond Forde and attorney Larry Lalla SC, who recently made the switch from UNC to PNM.
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Political leader of the PNM and former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley attended the meeting.
