4-Hers Showcased Culinary Ingenuity at FAO UN/4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago Food Preservation Competition
Written by Ms. Elizabeth Theodore, Public Relations Officer – 4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant agricultural landscape found its spotlight as 4-H clubs from across the nation converged at the NCIC Divali Nagar Site on Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road, Chaguanas, on Thursday 25th April 2024 for the FAO UN/4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago Food Preservation Competition. The 4-HTT body extends humble thanks to NCIC President, Mr. Deoroop Teemal for the use of the site. Although sixty-one clubs registered for the event, forty-two came ready for a day of fierce competition. This culmination of the event followed the successful 4-H School Garden Competition held last year which saw schools establish flourishing gardens, nurturing a connection between agriculture and education.
Some may ask: “What or Who is 4-H?” Within the mosaic of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural fabric, the 4-H Club stands as a shining example of diversity and inclusivity. Infused with the spirit of the nation’s multicultural essence, the 4-H Club transcends boundaries, bridging the gap between rural enclaves and urban hubs, welcoming individuals from all levels of society to embark on a journey of growth and development.
At its core, the 4-H Club embodies the principles of the four Hs: head, heart, hands, and health. Through these pillars, 4-Hers learn to think innovatively, cultivating solutions that defy convention and embrace creativity. They cultivate compassion and kindness, extending empathy not only to fellow humans but also to the environment, fostering a harmonious coexistence with the world around them. The essence of the 4-H Club lies in its unwavering commitment to excellence. Encouraging members to persevere in the face of adversity, the club instills a resilience that enables individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve success, no matter the challenges they encounter along the way. Central to the ethos of the 4-H Club is a focus on well-being, not only of oneself but also of others. Living by the golden rule of loving one another, 4-Hers embody a spirit of service and generosity, enriching the lives of those around them and leaving a positive impact on their communities.
As we delve deeper into the realm of the 4-H Club in Trinidad and Tobago, we embark on a transformative journey of exploration and discovery. Here we uncover the transformative power of community, the boundless potential of the individual, and the enduring spirit of unity that lies at the heart of this remarkable organization.
So, at this culmination event, representing various counties including St. George East and West, Caroni, Victoria, St. Andrew/St. David, Nariva/Mayaro(NAMY), St. Patrick East and West and Tobago, young 4-H participants showcased their innovative prowess in food preservation techniques. The competition not only emphasized the importance of utilizing surplus produce with the creation of value-added products but also fostered entrepreneurial skills associated with farming.
The competition featured categories ranging from pickling and dehydration to sugaring, which included jams and jellies, flour processing, and salting and curing, challenging participants to explore diverse methods of food preservation. Each category served as a canvas for creativity, with participants infusing traditional techniques with modern twists, showcasing their culinary dexterity. The event buzzed with excitement as 4-Hers shared samples of their creations, offering a tantalizing array of flavours and textures. Many even seized the opportunity to sell their culinary delights, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit engrained within the 4-H ethos.
The presence of dignitaries added to the grandeur of the event, with the presence of the major stakeholder, FAO UN, represented by Ms. Keryce Phillip, the Minister from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Mrs. Lisa
Morris Julien, and a representative from the Ministry of Youth Development and National Services (MYDNS), Mr. Kwasi Robinson, gracing the occasion. Their support underscored stakeholders and the government’s commitment to youth development and agricultural education.
Judging the competition was a panel inclusive of Mr. Colin Mohammed, the President of the American Culinary Federation, whose expertise added a professional touch to the proceedings, Dr. Lisa Harrynanan from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Ms. Anne-Marie Gajar De Cedeno from NAMDEVCO and the Chaconia Gold Medal Holder and Root Crop Pioneer, Mr. Ramdeo Boondoo, all extremely qualified in the different categories of food preservation on display. Judges commended the ingenuity and dedication displayed by each club, recognizing the tireless efforts put forth in preserving the nation’s agricultural bounty.
Reflecting on the event, as the curtains drew to a close at the FAO UN/4-H Leaders Council of Trinidad and Tobago Food Preservation Competition, over one thousand, eight hundred 4-H students nationwide left with a sense of fulfillment, knowing they had not only showcased their culinary prowess but also contributed to the promotion of sustainable agriculture. The competition served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and learning, reaffirming the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago. 4-H Clubs will now sit in wait for the release of the results, which will be shared at a grand ceremony on Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce, Couva. Details are forthcoming.