Nassau, The Bahamas: The 2018 Cooperative Youth Entrepreneur Empowerment Seminar (YEES)  Summer Camp closing ceremony  and exhibition was held on Monday, 30th July 2018, at the Food Court, Mall at Marathon.

In attendance were: The Honorable Michael Pintard, M.P.; Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for Cooperatives, Ms Phedra M. Rahming, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alpheaus Forbes, Under Secretary; Ms. Judy Simmons, Acting. Director of Cooperatives, other Senior Officers within the Ministry, representatives from non-Governmental Agencies, students from the Cooperative Society Summer Youth  Entrepreneur Empowerment Seminar (YEES), participants and guests. 

Minster Pintard in his remarks said that he is encouraged by the twenty-nine (29) participants in the program and that the creations on display was a good indication that the country is capable of producing a steady flow of products, much of which are imported and that the Ministry’s goal is to produce entrepreneurs who, with proper guidance, training, funding and mentorship, will succeed ( for full speech  please see attached)

In concluding, Minister Pintard expressed the Government’s commitment to ensuring positive growth and development of small and medium sized  Cooperative enterprises.

Guava jams and pepper sauces

Crafts made at the YEES

Lto R: Ms Phedra Rahming, Permanent Secretary,  The Honorable Michael Pintard, M.P.; Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for Cooperatives and Ms Ronnette Collie, Co-operative Officer