President requests further US aid for vulnerable women, youth

President Irfaan Ali (left) with US Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday (Office of the President photo)

Even as the United States yesterday reiterated its pledge of US$28 million to the Caribbean for agricultural development, President Irfaan Ali also made a pitch to Washington for an additional US$25 million for vulnerable groups of women and youth.

“I put forward a proposal to have a further [US$] 25 million made available, through grants and low cost loans for youth and women and agriculture, especially for projects dealing with sustainability, technology and research like hydroponics. These are projects that will ensure resilience in the food production system and encourage young people and women to participate,” the president was quoted as saying in a broadcast, following a multilateral meeting of several CARICOM heads and  US Vice President Kamala Harris, held in Washington, DC.