BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LOCAL OAS Ambassador Starret Greene has called for youth voices to be heard and noted that the global economic crisis had reinforced the need for governments to swiftly address issues negatively impacting their youth populations.
The diplomat was at the time addressing delegates from across the OECS who gathered at the Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino today (June 17) for the second annual (Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technologies in the Americas) POETA Stakeholders Meeting. Representatives from the government, private sector, civil society and the youth community dialogued on youth development throughout the region and formulated strategies in response to economic challenges facing the regional youth population.
In opening the discussions, Greene described the meeting as a “wonderful opportunity” for the voices of young persons to be heard. He encouraged them to make the most of the forum by engaging in productive and fruitful dialogue.
“The voices of youth should be clear and should command attention. They should also be voices of reason. As young people, when you speak, it is in your interest to present your facts and your arguments in a coherent manner and demonstrate that you can reason correctly,” he said.
The Ambassador had further advice for the delegation of young people.
“When you speak as young people, your collective voices should bring a message that is current, topical and peaks the interests of your audience. Avoid talking simply because you can talk. Rather, you should seek to make your message connect with your audience.
“If you do these things, your voices would be heard not only within the four walls of this room, but wherever your message resounds,” Greene added.
In 2004, the Trust for the Americas, an Organisation of American States (OAS) affiliate, developed a pilot project in Latin America through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme with the aim of increasing employment opportunities through ICT training. The project’s success led to its expansion in six Eastern Caribbean states – Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada.
According to a communiqué released by the organisation, POETA centres established in participating countries provide training in computer skills, positive decision-making and overall job skills. The group also focuses on working with employers to educate them about the importance of giving fair employment to marginalised populations.
