​Hummingbird Gold medal awardee Glenn ‘Dragon’ De Souza to attempt world record for “Most Moko Jumbies in one spot”

Hummingbird Gold Medal awardee Glenn ‘Dragon’ De Souza and his historic troupe, the Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies, will be attempting the Guinness World Record for “Most Moko Jumbies in One Spot” during the week before Carnival 2025 at the historic Queen’s Park Savannah.
The historic event will see 1,000 Moko Jumbies assemble at the Queen’s Park Savannah, creating a truly inspiring and vivid representation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.
This momentous initiative will be the pre-cursor to a Keylemanjahro World Tour in 2026 which will intersect with global institutions like the Jim Henson Creature Shop (creator of Sesame Street, the Muppet Show, Dark Crystal, etc).
The group said the record was attempted once before in Trinidad but did not hit the mark, however, Dragon believes that he can do it.
The event will be carded for the week before Carnival when many Carnival visitors will be in Trinidad at the Queen’s Park Savannah.  


“Just imagine what that sight would look like, “ Dragon said, “One thousand plus Moko Jumbies in the home of Carnival, against the Northern Range, in the green savannah!”
The group said the World Record-breaking procession of Moko Jumbies will then walk past the Magnificent Seven and then to President’s House.
The group said there will also be a ‘Making Of’ documentary that will be shot of the event and events leading up to it, creating a biography of Dragon and Keylemanjahro.
The group said the process of mobilising for the 1000 Mokos event will also be the process of consolidating the Moko Jumbie Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MJATT), and international media as well as allies from Sesame Street will be invited to take part.
The group said additionally, as the first Carnival after Dragon and Keylemanjahro have been honoured, Carnival 2025 will be a statement masquerade by this troupe.
The band also plans to display for Carnival 2025 a Kiddies and Adult Carnival presentation, “Sailors and Dame Lorraines”.
The band ‘Sailors and Dame Lorraines’- ‘Damsels in Distress, Sailors to the Rescue will be targeting between 75-150 Moko Jumbie masqueraders but will also feature ground level masqueraders. The band will take part in Kiddies Carnival as a Small band. The band will also take part in the adult Carnival as a Small band.
The Kiddies band will have one King and Queen while the Adult band will have two Kings and Queens.
The group said Keylemanjahro will also be launching a signature brand of t-shirts for sale to the public starting with three different designs.
Keylemanjahro is also pursuing a patent for a locally designed stilt design.
“In Keylemanjahro, Dragon has created a grassroots organization that has had an international impact of stratospheric proportions in terms of Brand T&T influence and cultural footprint. It is one of the most successful Cultural and Civic Institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. Dragon’s Moko Jumbies changed the presentation of T&T large event spectacle with many of Trinidad’s top performers and artists using the troupe for their top portrayals from Peter Minshall, Machel Montano, Super Blue, Brian Mac Farlane, Legends Mas band, etc- all using them in prize winning portrayals in Soca Monarch, Parade of the Bands, etc..”
“Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies were featured in the Miss Universe 1999 Pageant broadcast hosted by T&T. In 2001 Denise Plummer featured them in her Calypso Queen finals presentation of Nah Leaving. The troupe has been used as one of the main features in most of the country’s major national events and celebrations- from the return of a record-breaking Brian Lara and the return of the Soca Warriors to the launch of major corporate brands. Now a major national event is not complete unless it has a Moko Jumbie troupe- it was Dragon and Keylemanjahro who was responsible for this.”
De Souza, who founded the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, was honoured with one of the nation’s highest awards, the Humming Bird Gold Medal, by President Christine Kangaloo.
The Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, which commemorates its 35th anniversary this year, has seen over 4,000 students graduate from its illustrious halls, becoming known as the institution and troupe that resurrected and mainstreamed the Moko Jumbie tradition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Diaspora.
The Keylemanjahro Troupe is an institution that has had profound global impact and has been one of the greatest ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago globally.
Since 1997, Keylemanjahro was featured three times on popular American children’s television show, Sesame Street, portraying Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to millions internationally.
Photographs and stories from the international best-selling hard-cover coffee-table book ‘MOKO JUMBIES: THE DANCING SPIRITS OF TRINIDAD, which features Keylemanjahro, have been featured in major mainstream newspapers, magazines and scholarly publications worldwide, such as the New York Times, National Geographic, etc and mainstream TV broadcasters like ABC News.
“Dragon rescued and re-animated the Moko Jumbie tradition from death in Trinidad and took the tradition worldwide. Many of his innovations and routines are now part of the character’s repertoire internationally. Stilt walkers trained by Dragon pioneered stilt-walking in international troupes like Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul Circus- the African-American circus company, and dozens of other troupes on both sides of the Atlantic. His troupe has saved hundreds of children from the life of the streets from the hardest urban ‘ghetto’ communities in Trinidad (Cocorite, Diego Martin, Laventille, etc) training them in many cultural arts.”
The band also broke new ground in Carnival portrayals at Kiddies level, pioneering Moko Jumbie wins:
1995 – “Comic Strip”, the first time a Moko Jumbie band won first  place at Junior Parade of the Bands (Medium School)
1995 - Lost in the Jungle; the first time a Moko Jumbie Queen won first place Junior Queen
2003 - The Spirit of Carnival; 1st place Band of the Year (Junior Open)
2005 - Osebo Drums; 1st Place Junior Parade of the Bands (medium School)
2019 - Ahearn: the Rainmaker- First Place Junior King- School
2023 - A Taste of Africa; 1st place Junior Parade of the Bands (Mini School).
For more information follow the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture on Facebook.
“Just imagine what that sight would look like, “ Dragon said, “One thousand plus Moko Jumbies in the home of Carnival, against the Northern Range, in the green savannah!”
The group said the World Record-breaking procession of Moko Jumbies will then walk past the Magnificent Seven and then to President’s House.
The group said there will also be a ‘Making Of’ documentary that will be shot of the event and events leading up to it, creating a biography of Dragon and Keylemanjahro.
The group said the process of mobilising for the 1000 Mokos event will also be the process of consolidating the Moko Jumbie Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MJATT), and international media as well as allies from Sesame Street will be invited to take part.
The group said additionally, as the first Carnival after Dragon and Keylemanjahro have been honoured, Carnival 2025 will be a statement masquerade by this troupe.
The band also plans to display for Carnival 2025 a Kiddies and Adult Carnival presentation, “Sailors and Dame Lorraines”.
The band ‘Sailors and Dame Lorraines’- ‘Damsels in Distress, Sailors to the Rescue will be targeting between 75-150 Moko Jumbie masqueraders but will also feature ground level masqueraders. The band will take part in Kiddies Carnival as a Small band. The band will also take part in the adult Carnival as a Small band.
The Kiddies band will have one King and Queen while the Adult band will have two Kings and Queens.
The group said Keylemanjahro will also be launching a signature brand of t-shirts for sale to the public starting with three different designs.
Keylemanjahro is also pursuing a patent for a locally designed stilt design.
“In Keylemanjahro, Dragon has created a grassroots organization that has had an international impact of stratospheric proportions in terms of Brand T&T influence and cultural footprint. It is one of the most successful Cultural and Civic Institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. Dragon’s Moko Jumbies changed the presentation of T&T large event spectacle with many of Trinidad’s top performers and artists using the troupe for their top portrayals from Peter Minshall, Machel Montano, Super Blue, Brian Mac Farlane, Legends Mas band, etc- all using them in prize winning portrayals in Soca Monarch, Parade of the Bands, etc..”
“Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies were featured in the Miss Universe 1999 Pageant broadcast hosted by T&T. In 2001 Denise Plummer featured them in her Calypso Queen finals presentation of Nah Leaving. The troupe has been used as one of the main features in most of the country’s major national events and celebrations- from the return of a record-breaking Brian Lara and the return of the Soca Warriors to the launch of major corporate brands. Now a major national event is not complete unless it has a Moko Jumbie troupe- it was Dragon and Keylemanjahro who was responsible for this.”
De Souza, who founded the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, was honoured with one of the nation’s highest awards, the Humming Bird Gold Medal, by President Christine Kangaloo.
The Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, which commemorates its 35th anniversary this year, has seen over 4,000 students graduate from its illustrious halls, becoming known as the institution and troupe that resurrected and mainstreamed the Moko Jumbie tradition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Diaspora.
The Keylemanjahro Troupe is an institution that has had profound global impact and has been one of the greatest ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago globally.
Since 1997, Keylemanjahro was featured three times on popular American children’s television show, Sesame Street, portraying Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to millions internationally.
Photographs and stories from the international best-selling hard-cover coffee-table book ‘MOKO JUMBIES: THE DANCING SPIRITS OF TRINIDAD, which features Keylemanjahro, have been featured in major mainstream newspapers, magazines and scholarly publications worldwide, such as the New York Times, National Geographic, etc and mainstream TV broadcasters like ABC News.
“Dragon rescued and re-animated the Moko Jumbie tradition from death in Trinidad and took the tradition worldwide. Many of his innovations and routines are now part of the character’s repertoire internationally. Stilt walkers trained by Dragon pioneered stilt-walking in international troupes like Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul Circus- the African-American circus company, and dozens of other troupes on both sides of the Atlantic. His troupe has saved hundreds of children from the life of the streets from the hardest urban ‘ghetto’ communities in Trinidad (Cocorite, Diego Martin, Laventille, etc) training them in many cultural arts.”
The band also broke new ground in Carnival portrayals at Kiddies level, pioneering Moko Jumbie wins:
1995 – “Comic Strip”, the first time a Moko Jumbie band won first  place at Junior Parade of the Bands (Medium School)
1995 - Lost in the Jungle; the first time a Moko Jumbie Queen won first place Junior Queen
2003 - The Spirit of Carnival; 1st place Band of the Year (Junior Open)
2005 - Osebo Drums; 1st Place Junior Parade of the Bands (medium School)
2019 - Ahearn: the Rainmaker- First Place Junior King- School
2023 - A Taste of Africa; 1st place Junior Parade of the Bands (Mini School).
For more information follow the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture on Facebook.
“Just imagine what that sight would look like, “ Dragon said, “One thousand plus Moko Jumbies in the home of Carnival, against the Northern Range, in the green savannah!”
The group said the World Record-breaking procession of Moko Jumbies will then walk past the Magnificent Seven and then to President’s House.
The group said there will also be a ‘Making Of’ documentary that will be shot of the event and events leading up to it, creating a biography of Dragon and Keylemanjahro.
The group said the process of mobilising for the 1000 Mokos event will also be the process of consolidating the Moko Jumbie Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MJATT), and international media as well as allies from Sesame Street will be invited to take part.
The group said additionally, as the first Carnival after Dragon and Keylemanjahro have been honoured, Carnival 2025 will be a statement masquerade by this troupe.
The band also plans to display for Carnival 2025 a Kiddies and Adult Carnival presentation, “Sailors and Dame Lorraines”.
The band ‘Sailors and Dame Lorraines’- ‘Damsels in Distress, Sailors to the Rescue will be targeting between 75-150 Moko Jumbie masqueraders but will also feature ground level masqueraders. The band will take part in Kiddies Carnival as a Small band. The band will also take part in the adult Carnival as a Small band.
The Kiddies band will have one King and Queen while the Adult band will have two Kings and Queens.
The group said Keylemanjahro will also be launching a signature brand of t-shirts for sale to the public starting with three different designs.
Keylemanjahro is also pursuing a patent for a locally designed stilt design.
“In Keylemanjahro, Dragon has created a grassroots organization that has had an international impact of stratospheric proportions in terms of Brand T&T influence and cultural footprint. It is one of the most successful Cultural and Civic Institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. Dragon’s Moko Jumbies changed the presentation of T&T large event spectacle with many of Trinidad’s top performers and artists using the troupe for their top portrayals from Peter Minshall, Machel Montano, Super Blue, Brian Mac Farlane, Legends Mas band, etc- all using them in prize winning portrayals in Soca Monarch, Parade of the Bands, etc..”
“Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies were featured in the Miss Universe 1999 Pageant broadcast hosted by T&T. In 2001 Denise Plummer featured them in her Calypso Queen finals presentation of Nah Leaving. The troupe has been used as one of the main features in most of the country’s major national events and celebrations- from the return of a record-breaking Brian Lara and the return of the Soca Warriors to the launch of major corporate brands. Now a major national event is not complete unless it has a Moko Jumbie troupe- it was Dragon and Keylemanjahro who was responsible for this.”
De Souza, who founded the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, was honoured with one of the nation’s highest awards, the Humming Bird Gold Medal, by President Christine Kangaloo.
The Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, which commemorates its 35th anniversary this year, has seen over 4,000 students graduate from its illustrious halls, becoming known as the institution and troupe that resurrected and mainstreamed the Moko Jumbie tradition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Diaspora.
The Keylemanjahro Troupe is an institution that has had profound global impact and has been one of the greatest ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago globally.
Since 1997, Keylemanjahro was featured three times on popular American children’s television show, Sesame Street, portraying Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to millions internationally.
Photographs and stories from the international best-selling hard-cover coffee-table book ‘MOKO JUMBIES: THE DANCING SPIRITS OF TRINIDAD, which features Keylemanjahro, have been featured in major mainstream newspapers, magazines and scholarly publications worldwide, such as the New York Times, National Geographic, etc and mainstream TV broadcasters like ABC News.
“Dragon rescued and re-animated the Moko Jumbie tradition from death in Trinidad and took the tradition worldwide. Many of his innovations and routines are now part of the character’s repertoire internationally. Stilt walkers trained by Dragon pioneered stilt-walking in international troupes like Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul Circus- the African-American circus company, and dozens of other troupes on both sides of the Atlantic. His troupe has saved hundreds of children from the life of the streets from the hardest urban ‘ghetto’ communities in Trinidad (Cocorite, Diego Martin, Laventille, etc) training them in many cultural arts.”
The band also broke new ground in Carnival portrayals at Kiddies level, pioneering Moko Jumbie wins:
1995 – “Comic Strip”, the first time a Moko Jumbie band won first  place at Junior Parade of the Bands (Medium School)
1995 - Lost in the Jungle; the first time a Moko Jumbie Queen won first place Junior Queen
2003 - The Spirit of Carnival; 1st place Band of the Year (Junior Open)
2005 - Osebo Drums; 1st Place Junior Parade of the Bands (medium School)
2019 - Ahearn: the Rainmaker- First Place Junior King- School
2023 - A Taste of Africa; 1st place Junior Parade of the Bands (Mini School).
For more information follow the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture on Facebook.

Coconut Rock Buns
Ingredients
2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine (at room temperature)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk well to blend.
Add the butter, and using your fingers, rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles a crumbly texture. Stir in the raisins.
Add the vanilla essence, eggs, and milk to the mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough into rough, uneven balls and place them on a prepared baking tray. Do not smooth the dough; they should remain irregular and "rock-like."
Bake for 30 minutes or until the buns are golden brown on top.
Enjoy these rustic, coconutty treats with tea or coffee!
​(Source; Tropical Recipes, January 11, 2025)

A design for the new coat of arms has been chosen – it depicts a golden tenor pan and two sticks.
The final version was chosen from among several submissions by artist Gillian Bishop.
On January 13, Parliament approved the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to give legal effect for the change.
The redesign will remove the depiction of the three ships – Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria – used by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus at the base of the coat of arms. ”
Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore said the type of pan used on the coat of arms is a tenor pan with two pan sticks.


In a release, Ramsey-Moore hailed the decision as a monumental moment in TT's history.
“The inclusion of the steelpan on the national coat of arms is a defining moment for our nation. It symbolises the resilience, ingenuity and unity of our people. Born from struggle, the steelpan has become a beacon of TT’s cultural legacy and innovation. This is a moment for every citizen to stand tall and proud.”
During the debate, Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell said the old coat of arms can be used until January 1, 2026, once the act is assented to and proclaimed by the President. Mitchell said the change was made because of public calls to decolonise the symbols of TT. Mitchell said the proposal for the change was formalised by the Cabinet in August 2024. Local jeweller and artist Bishop was asked to develop the new design.
“After a thorough review and thoughtful consideration of all designs, the Pan Trinbago team is pleased to express our enthusiastic agreement with design number seven. We are particularly heartened that this design features the steelpan alongside its iconic two-pan sticks. This inclusion celebrates the steelpan’s role as the national musical instrument of TT, symbolising the creativity and indomitable spirit of our people,” Mitchell said, quoting from a Pan Trinbago letter.
Mitchell said the transitional period will be until January 1, 2026, which meant there would be no great or disruptive urgency to change the old coat of arms.
“There will be no mad scramble. There will be no need for citizens to desperately line up at government offices to replace the old coat of arms. In a case where the coat of arms is in digital forms and online, it can be replaced in documents such as official correspondence and other paraphernalia with immediate effect, easily and at minimal cost."
“Where the coat of arms is in the form of physical installations, eg on government buildings, the bill provides for a period of transition, where all government agencies can now plan and budget in the upcoming appropriation bill, in the upcoming months, for changes that will need to be put in place by January 1, 2026.”
Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin said the opposition was only informed about the bill at 2.40 pm on January 10, and told that it would be added to the Order Paper on January 13. The Opposition was only given additional information about the bill at 4 pm on January 13.
“I apologise to the members of Pan Trinbago present in the gallery as the members on this side were invested in the state of emergency debate. I apologise that pan is not being treated in the way it should be treated,” she said, noting the unpreparedness of the Opposition for the debate.
"How does the issue before us today improve the lives of our people? How does it address the struggles of our pan players who continue to fight for survival in a system that overlooks their existence? Symbolism cannot replace substance.
“Pan players are only celebrated during the Carnival season. The government could have come here today and itemised how they intend to improve the lack of institutional support.”
Benjamin asked for a definitive cost of changing the coat of arms. She said the country was left in limbo as there was not a final date given for the changeover of ID cards and other documents.
The Prime Minister said the government could not count on the support of the opposition even in such a unifying matter.
“Any MP saying they needed extended notice to be able to decide whether they will support the modernisation of our emblem could not be serious, especially since this issue has been around since last August (2024) and to come and say you were ambushed and therefore have nothing useful to say is really not a serious contribution.”
He said over the years the government had come to realise symbols and symbolism matter and the steelpan represents all of TT.
Rowley said steelpan players were honoured outside of Carnival and were embodiments of the country’s watchwords of discipline, tolerance and production.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar asked when the bill would be proclaimed. She called for the coat of arms in the House of Representatives to be changed first. She said the opposition supported the change.
“I want to place on record that we fully support this amended bill. It is long in coming but the day has come and we welcome that day.”


This story was originally published with the title "National Emblems Bill passed" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.
THE National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Parliament on January 13.
Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell said the old coat of arms can be used until January 1, 2026, once the act is assented to and proclaimed by the President.
Speaking during debate on the bill late on Monday night, Mitchell said the bill amends Part I of the schedule to the National Emblems of TT (Regulation) Act.
“This clause amends the description of the coat of arms of TT by deleting the reference in the base of the arms to ‘three ships of the period of Christopher Columbus also gold the sails set proper’ and substituting that the base of the coat of arms will now contain ‘a gold steelpan and its iconic two pan sticks, also gold.’”
Mitchell said the proposal for the change was formalised in August 2024 by cabinet, which agreed jeweller and artist Gillian Bishop would be engaged to develop the new design. He said she was asked to prepare renderings of the coat of arms to be considered by the cabinet and taken to Parliament.
He said the consideration and endorsement of Pan Trinbago was sought on the design and received in November 2024.
Mitchell said the transitional period will last until January 1, 2026, which meant there would be no great or disruptive urgency to change the old coat of arms to the new one.
Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore hailed the decision as a monumental moment in TT's history..
“The inclusion of the steelpan on the national coat of arms is a defining moment for our nation. It symbolises the resilience, ingenuity and unity of our people. Born from struggle, the steelpan has become a beacon of TT’s cultural legacy and innovation. This is a moment for every citizen to stand tall and proud,” she said in a news release on January 14. (Source:  Newsday, January 15, 2025)

​We’re thrilled to announce that Trinidad Remains, directed by Karen Martinez and produced by Natasha Dack-Ojumu and Lisa Wickham, will kick off 2025 in spectacular fashion as the Opening Night film at the prestigious British Shorts Film Festival in Berlin on January 23, 2025!
This UK-TT collaboration, starring Leonie Elliott, Syntyche Bishop, and Kevon Brooks, has been lauded for its moving storytelling and vibrant performances, blending universal themes with a unique Caribbean perspective.
A true cinematic gem, Trinidad Remains has already won Best Comedy at Caribbean Tales Toronto and Best Short Film (Narrative) at TTFF. Now, it’s set to take Berlin by storm!
(Source:  The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, Feb 8m 2025)

SIX Trinidadians have been announced among the 2025 Cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) fellowship programme.
In a news release on January 8, the US embassy said the TT cohort includes Dominick Alexander, Naomi Anderson, Dharnel Duprey, Desirai Johnson-Phillip, Shereesa Khan and Simon Neptune

SIX Trinidadians have been announced among the 2025 Cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) fellowship programme.
In a news release on January 8, the US embassy said the TT cohort includes Dominick Alexander, Naomi Anderson, Dharnel Duprey, Desirai Johnson-Phillip, Shereesa Khan and Simon Neptune.

The US Department of State’s YLAI is a programme that promotes entrepreneurship and economic prosperity across the Western Hemisphere, connecting entrepreneurs across borders through an annual fellowship programme, it said.
It will benefit 280 entrepreneurs from 37 countries..
The release said 2025 marks ten years of the YLAI programme.

The six from Trinidad and Tobago will join young leaders from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada for the hybrid fellowship, which was launched on December 9, 2024.
The programme, the release said, starts with a virtual entrepreneurial leadership curriculum this month. Fellows will then travel to cities across the US in May for a four-week professional placement with a host organisation.
The programme concludes in June with all fellows attending a closing forum in Washington, DC.

The embassy said since YLAI’s launch in 2015, more than 1,750 fellows have built connections with over 1,250 US businesses and organisations.
The 2025 cohort, it added, will bring the number of TT fellows to 44.
After completing the programme, fellows use the strategies they learned to attract new resources to their business and improve operations.
YLAI promotes US business models, increases trade, encourages job creation, and builds lasting and sustainable networks of young entrepreneurs and business and social leaders across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and the US, the release said.
The 2025 young leaders:
Dominick Alexander, business: Alexander works in the music sector as the CEO of Laudem Music School. The school provides music education for students of all ages and abilities.

Naomi Anderson, business: Anderson works in the food and beverage sector as the owner and head pastry chef of Unicakery. The company creates custom cakes and desserts.
Dharnel Dariel Duprey, environment: Duprey is the founder and operations manager of Growing Essentials Agricultural Supplies and Services. The organisation focuses on sustainable agriculture, including hydroponics and beekeeping.
Desirai Johnson-Phillip, environment: Johnson-Phillip is the founder and CEO of Leading Seedling and Exotic Plants. The company provides seedlings, plants, and agricultural services and is focused on engaging a new generation of agricultural leaders by attracting and empowering youth in the field.

Shereesa Khan, business: Khan works in the beauty business sector as the founder and CEO of Vortex Sensations. The manufacturing company creates organic products for people with skin and hair issues.


Simon Neptune, environment: Neptune works in the energy sector as the founder of Neptune Biosystems. The company is focused on developing biorefineries that convert landfill waste into carbon-neutral diesel fuel. (Source:  Newsday Jan 10, 2025)