First Citizens & ESCTT Commemorate Start of the AFRHA Centre
Press Release
First Citizens proudly joined the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) for the official consecration ceremony for the African Agricultural Heritage Centre (AFRHA Centre) on May 5, 2025 at the centre’s site located in San Rafael. This pioneering initiative, which was first launched on January 16, 2025, is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability to further develop the nation’s food security in this ever-changing economic climate.
The event marked the symbolic beginning for the upcoming construction of the centre, which will serve as an eco-friendly hub that develops good agricultural practices, education and innovation among the “NEET” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth demographic in east Port of Spain, with a particular concentration on those aged 16 to 24.
Present at the ceremony, Mrs. Neela Moonilal-Kissoon – Group Deputy CEO, Operations & Administration, referenced San Rafael’s rich history, reinforcing that as project partners, “…we have the opportunity to create a history of our own by using these grounds as a conduit for cultural preservation, environmental care and sustainable agricultural practices.” As Mrs. Moonilal-Kissoon concluded, she reminded all to “Look forward to the impact on the lives of the participants, the value they will take with them from San Rafael to East Port of Spain and the sense of pride that we will feel, having been a part of something meaningful”.
As the main sponsor of the AFRHA Centre, First Citizens remains committed to leaving a lasting environmental impact for generations to come, through its mission of advancing environmental responsibility and fostering sustainable livelihoods. The Centre will combine technical agricultural training with essential life skills, equipping young people of East Port of Spain to take control of their futures and contribute to building a more secure and prosperous T & T.
The Consecration Participants following the Blessing of the Ground (l-r): Mr. Everald “Redman” Watson – Drummer; Elder Equino Moyo – Director/Mathematician, ESCTT; Mr. Raould Warao – Warao Shaman; Mrs. Neela Moonilal-Kissoon – Group Deputy CEO-Operations and Administration, First Citizens; Ms. Zakiya Uzouma Wadada – Executive Chair, ESCTT; Cacica Anicia Bermudez-Benjamin – Warao Nation; Mr. Khafra Kambon – Director, ESCTT and Dr. Asha Kambon – Public Policy Expert and Social Impact Assessor, ESCTT. 
The AFRHA Centre Project Team (l-r): Ms. Nzingha Salandy, ESCTT; Dr. Asha Kambron – Public Policy Expert and Social Impact Assessor, ESCTT; Mr. Chi Kamose – Project Coordinator, ESCTT; Elder Equino Moyo – Director/Mathematician, ESCTT; Ms. Alejandra Mendez – Life Skills Coordinator, ESCTT; Ms. Abidemi Smenkh Ka-Ra – Agriculture Coordinator, ESCTT; Mr. Khafra Kambon – Director, ESCTT; Mrs. Neela Moonilal-Kissoon – Group Deputy CEO-Operations and Administration, First Citizens; and Ms. Zakiya Uzouma Wadada – Executive Chair, ESCTT. 
The ceremonial Blessing of the Ground by Elder Equino Moyo –Director/Mathematician, ESCTT and Mr. Raould Simon – Warao Shaman (l) with Chief Ricardo Barath-Hernandez – Arima Indigenous People (r). 
The ceremonial Blessing of the Ground by Elder Equino Moyo –Director/Mathematician, ESCTT and Mr. Raould Simon – Warao Shaman (l) with Chief Ricardo Barath-Hernandez – Arima Indigenous People (r).
