This week, the Trincity Time Community News met with a young visionary shaking up the norms and perceptions surrounding agriculture—Jahmali Samuel, the esteemed Youth of the Year 2023. As a sixth-form student at Bishop Anstey & Trinity College East, Jahmali’s journey to revolutionizing agriculture began with establishing the Youth Agrivision Organization, an NGO committed to cultivating youth potential and fostering a sustainable world.
Challenging outdated views that often deter youths from considering agriculture as a viable career path, Jahmali embarked on a mission to rejuvenate the field, presenting it as both profitable and enjoyable. At just 15, he launched the Wallerfield Lifestyle Project to educate young people about agriculture’s potential.
Despite initial challenges, Jahmali’s unwavering passion caught the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, leading to the development of targeted courses. These initiatives have empowered young individuals across Trinidad and Tobago to engage actively and innovatively in agriculture.
Jahmali attributes his agricultural journey to the profound impact of his late stepfather, Kyle George, known in the music industry as ‘Rebel Sixx.’ His tragic loss in 2020 left Jahmali at a crossroads, but working at his uncle’s pig farm during that pivotal Christmas kindled his dedication to agriculture.
His hands-on experience eventually led to the inception of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Farming Association, birthed from the Wallerfield Youth Livestock Project. This initiative has grown profoundly, engaging between 500 and 1,000 aspiring young farmers nationwide. Jahmali’s contributions have been recognized through prestigious accolades, including the Youth of the Year and Agriculture Award at the 2023 National Youth Awards.
The reach of Jahmali’s vision extends beyond national boundaries, capturing interest globally in countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, and throughout the Caribbean. His message is simple yet profound—starting with small gestures, like planting a tree, can significantly impact Trinidad and Tobago’s food security. His work inspires many to think globally but act locally, making agriculture an essential sector for the youth’s future.
