By Sharon Ramkissoon-DeFreitas, Director, Business Development
It is often said that “Rome was not built in a day,” a phrase that underscores the importance of patience and persistence in achieving progress. At the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), this truth resonates as the institution continues to build on one success after another. The latest milestone in this journey of development came in September 2024, when USC received a grant of TTD $100,000 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago. This funding will support the launch of an egg farm startup on the university’s campus, an initiative poised to contribute to the university’s goal of self-sufficiency.
The grant follows USC’s official recognition as a farming entity in July 2023, when the university was awarded farmer’s status and issued its farmer’s badge. This achievement enabled USC to tap into government incentives and funding opportunities through the Ministry of Agriculture’s various programs. Seizing this opportunity, the university’s Business Development Department applied for the grant, and with God’s blessing, their application was successful.
The establishment of the egg farm is a small but significant part of USC’s broader mission of financial sustainability. As the university approaches its 100th anniversary, it continues to play an instrumental role in the human development of Trinidad and Tobago, the wider Caribbean, and beyond. USC has shaped countless minds and contributed to the social fabric of the region, a legacy it is committed to strengthening under the leadership of its president, Dr. Colwick Wilson.
In line with its vision for the future, USC is focusing on maximizing its natural resources to achieve financial freedom. The egg farm represents one of many strategic initiatives designed to align with the institution’s vision of self-sufficiency and sustainability. Though the journey is long and challenges remain, faith and perseverance continue to guide USC in its mission to go “beyond excellence.”
With this latest grant, USC is not only investing in its future but also affirming its commitment to innovative growth, ensuring that it continues to thrive as a beacon of education and development in the region.
