Sunday November 21st 2010

2010 has been a year of great triumph and challenges for the youth population in St. Kitts and Nevis. What began as an opportunity for youths to fully participate in the democratic process of electing their leaders for the next five years now comes to an end in a reflective manner. Throughout 2010, the youth population of St. Kitts and Nevis has continued to mimic the challenges being faced throughout this entire nation while offering us glimpses of resilience, pride and excellence.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment would like to use this opportunity to remind the general public of the successes and challenges of our youth population. Some of the successes that have to be highlighted include:
In the area of Sports

Washington Archibald High School repeat as the Cheerleading Champions
Cayon Primary School is crowned Milo Meet Champions
Charles E Mills High School is crowned TDC Interschool Champs

In the area of Academics

Zoe Gonsalves for attaining the best CXC results
Zoe Hamilton of WAHS recognition in the area of English Literature.

In the area of Volunteerism

The Liamuiga Youth Legacy Awards Association inducted eight (8) young people into their hallowed halls. The inductees included Mr. Samal Duggins of Island Expressions, Ms. Virgil Hodge – athlete, Mr. Larry Vaughan – youth activist, Ms. Suelika Buchanon – proprietor of S model Management, Ms. Unoma Allen – calypsonian and Ms. Clauja Bradshaw – youth parliamentarian. Lifetime awards were given to Ms. Jihan Williams – solicitor/barrister and Dr. Garfield Alexander – medical doctor.

In the area of Arts

King Konris becomes the 1st ever two-peat Leeward Island Calypso King.

It would be remiss of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment not to remind the nation of what has been lost over the past year. For 2010, the nation has lost a number of young men and women to gender based violence, road accidents and gun related incidents. Our prayers go out to their families and friends who continue to make sense of their lives without their loved ones.

The United Nations had dubbed August 2010 through to August 2011 as the International Year of Youth under the theme “Our Year, Our Voice: Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding.” Being inspired by the gesture, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment is hosting the National Youth Month celebrations under the theme “Our Year, Our Voice, Our Opportunity to Lead.” This theme tells the story and holds the promise for our youth population throughout 2011. Let this be your year to accomplish all that your heart desires and your nation requires, let your voice resonate this year as you speak up and speak out on what motivates, inspires and threatens you as you grow into our leaders. Let you find throughout this year opportunities to lead your fellow youth to the promise land that you create.

Some of the remaining opportunities to lead are:
• Training sessions from November 22 – 26th, hosted by St. Kitts Jaycees for members of youth organizations on topics important to the organization and management of youth groups. Your church organizations are invited to register at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment.

• Youth Habitat Project where youths would be volunteering to repair the home of an elder from Newtown from November 26th to November 30th. Volunteers are welcomed!

• National Youth Planning Exercise on Sunday November 28th at the Ocean Terrace Inn. This is an opportunity for youths to indicate what is important to them so that the Ministry of Youth Empowerment’s Plan of Action for 2011 can be informed by this exercise. All youths are invited.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment encourages each young person in St. Kitts and Nevis to participate fully in these and other activities to come. To reach the youth officers, call 467-1393 or email the Department at skbyouthdept@hotmail.com.

Happy Youth Month and may we truly use 2010 – 2011 as the year to raise our voices and take every opportunity to lead this nation along its next great adventure.

Leave a Reply