DAY 1 – MOA Internship Programme Orientation by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Ministry of Agriculture’s 2025 Internship Programme got off to a spirited start on Monday with a full day of orientation activities designed to motivate, inform, and engage fifteen interns.

Following the Opening Ceremony which included a powerful address by Mrs. Nicolette Francis/Education Officer for Agricultural Science at the Ministry of Education with over 20 years in the field — a journey that began through her own teenage internship — Mrs. Francis shared personal stories that highlighted the long-term impact of seizing early opportunities. “If you’re here just to collect a stipend, that’s all you’ll leave with,” she warned. “But if you’re here to learn, ask questions, and make a positive impression — you’re planting seeds for your future.”

Francis emphasized professional habits such as punctuality, clear communication, and personal accountability. She encouraged participants to use the internship to build a portfolio, network meaningfully, and develop work-ready skills. Her message was clear: “Show up, be respectful, stay curious — and learn something new every single day.”

After the keynotes, the interns spent the rest of the day engaged in a series of orientation exercises, including interactive sessions on work ethic, professional behavior, and entrepreneurship.  These were conducted by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Head of Communications Unit andInternship Coordinator, who also shared and engaged them in proper methods of communication and article writing. These sessions provided practical advice on what it means to be part of a workplace team and how to create value in any role — whether in government, private industry, or running their own enterprise in the future.

The interns were then placed into three groups and given their first project which was to write an article on “International Fruit Day” which is observed annually on 1st July. Their submissions would be presented the next day being July 1st, graded and published on all of the Ministry’s three media platforms and also shared with other media houses.

Capping off the day’s activities was a “Kahoot Quiz” on Entrepreneurship which sparked laughter, learning, and a bit of friendly competition — a perfect icebreaker to kick off the month-long programme. With enthusiasm in the room and minds already at work, the 2025 internship has officially begun. Interns will visit many areas of the agricultural industry — from Extension and Fisheries to Communications and Agro-processing — where they’ll gain valuable field experience and insight into the agricultural engine of the country.

If Day One is anything to go by, this crop of interns is already growth.