The Ministry of Agriculture has welcomed its largest-ever cohort of summer interns, with this year's programme doubling in size compared to its inaugural run in 2025.
The Ministry expanded its intake from 15 interns last year to more than 30 participants in 2026. The growth reflects both rising student interest and the Ministry's sustained commitment to providing meaningful work experience while inspiring the next generation of agricultural and public sector professionals.
This year's interns represent a broad cross-section of schools across Antigua and Barbuda, including Antigua Girls' High School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, Pares Secondary School, Jennings Secondary School, Clare Hall Secondary School, Ottos Comprehensive School, All Saints Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, Sir McChesney George Secondary School in Barbuda, and the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS).
The programme has also expanded to include students from two private institutions for the first time — Adele School and the Seventh-day Adventist School — broadening its reach to an even wider range of students.
Another notable feature of this year's cohort is the return of seven interns from 2025. Their decision to come back underscores the positive experiences gained during the first year and highlights the programme's value in building practical skills, confidence, and career awareness.
Throughout the summer, interns will take part in a wide range of hands-on activities designed to expose them to the many facets of agriculture. Farm visits and tours of agricultural facilities across Antigua are planned, giving students a deeper appreciation of the sector and the critical role it plays in national development.
The Ministry of Agriculture expressed pride in the programme's remarkable growth in just its second year, reaffirming its commitment to investing in the nation's youth and cultivating future leaders in agriculture and public service.
