Basseterre, St. Kitts - Every year, on the 2nd Monday of March, we celebrate what is known as Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth stands as an intergovernmental body through which its member countries are equal in status, regardless of their diverse social, political and economic background.
Commonwealth Day seeks to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation, and the role of the modern Commonwtealth. As we continue to progress as a nation within a globalized community; it is essential that we continue to celebrate the links between our members, and foster greater global relationships.
Today, we celebrate the Commonwealth at 61, under the theme "Science, Technology & Society". This year’s theme is closely connected with our lives, as our society continues to be fashioned by science and technology through scientific discoveries and technological inventions. It is through scientific research and technological advancement that man is better able to adapt to his environment at present. Evidently more and more persons are expected to live longer due to the advancements in medicine. Many illnesses are easily prevented or treated by the means of preventative medicine, prescription drugs, immunisation, and increased knowledge of care by individuals.
Today, we live in a world where people continue to experience comfortable lifestyles with the aid of “Science and Technology”. Technology has changed the way we communicate with others. Once ago we heavily depended on letters to correspond with family members and friends abroad, now we are able to speak to these family members and friends through social networks such as Facebook, Hi5, and Twitter, just to name a few. Additionally, the internet has greatly changed the way we perceive the world as information on just about anything and everything is at our disposal at the click of the mouse.
The internet too has changed the way we provide education. Now students are able to access the internet for research on various topics touched in class. Information can be presented in creative ways through the use of technical devices. Even University degrees can be obtained online in the comfort of our homes. Indeed, to say the least science has changed the world in ways unimaginable by our forefathers.
Scientific research has given us the opportunity to tackle many of the world’s problems, such as energy consumption, food shortage and environmental concerns. We are able to utilize other sources of energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, just to name a few as opposed to merely fossil fuels. We are able to produce more food at a better quality in comparison to before.
Undoubtedly, “Science and Technology” has greatly influenced “society”. I urge us all as citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to maximize the opportunities of this phenomenon and to think more creatively and competitively. We should not underestimate the importance of education and the advantages of having a technologically sound educational background. I encourage more students to explore the areas of science and technology. In order to combat the global challenges we face, greater focus must be placed on educating our human resource in specialized areas within the fields o Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Agriculture and Medicine.
Agriculture stands as an important part of any country’s economy. It is my belief that every country should be able to feed its people in the event of a crisis. As such, I implore our youth to become more involved in Agriculture with a focus on mechanization.
Tourism now stands as our main industry since the end of King Sugar’s reign. As such, it is pivotal that we take advantage of the technological tools needed to enhance our tourism product. We must attempt to further modernize our businesses and utilize the mass media to enhance our marketing skills, and to develop even greater costumer sensitivity.
We are all aware of the work being done in Nevis as it relates to the utilization its geothermal energy source. Such initiatives only offer more educational and economic opportunities for the young people of St. Kitts and Nevis, as it creates a new market and provides additional educational options for students. This is but another example that highlights the importance of Science and Technology, and the need for students to focus on areas such as this.
Crime and Violence is of major concern to all our citizens. As a result, I encourage us to invest in more technological devices that would provide law enforcers with the necessary tools to adequately combat crime; as it is my and every Kittitian and Nevisian’s dream to live in a safer environment.
I dare the youth to become mindful of the opportunities at their feet. Our population comprises of over 50% young people, if we can put our time and energy into further advancing ourselves, in order to better meet the challenges of this globalized community, it would only result in a more productive St. Kitts and Nevis. Let us use technology to improve the way we trade, the way we produce, the way we educate, the way we interact, the way we investigate, the way we present ourselves and the way we live. As young people of our respected homes and communities, we must be mindful of our capabilities and to effect positive change where and when we can. Let us use the inventions at our finger tips to learn and develop our talents as much as we can, as soon as we can.
In closing, as the world progresses let us continue to progress with it and let us never forget our motto “Country Above Self.”
I am 20 year old Azard Gumbs, one of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Youth Ambassadors to the Commonwealth.
