BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 16TH 2009 (CUOPM) – A call was made Wednesday for young people in St. Kitts and Nevis to commit themselves to their personal growth and development and influencing of others to be positive and productive.
The call has come from St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas at a Guard of Honour and Wreath Laying Ceremony on the grounds of the Robert L. Bradshaw Memorial Park in St. Paul’s, the birthplace of the First National Hero and Father of Independence to mark National Heroes Day.
“The time has come to recommit to the ideals of nation building. The challenges that are emerging globally will bring about significant change in the Caribbean. As a people, we must be strong, adaptive, resourceful, creative, organized and visionary and we must use all of these to ensure that St. Kitts and Nevis keeps on working. We must put away the temptations to be divisive, disruptive and destructive. These elements are no good in nation building,” said Dr. Douglas.
“This year’s Independence activities are taking place under the theme, “Embracing our youth, today, to ensure a brighter tomorrow.” The theme is appropriate especially at this stage in our nation’s development, and in the recognition that in an emerging new world economic order, we must prepare our young people to meet and excel in the future,” said Dr. Douglas.
He said that young people in St. Kitts and Nevis have a variety of opportunities to develop intellect through education and training, talent through sports and the opportunity to become involved in business.
“When we look around we can see young people endeavoring to excel in these and other areas. They are working diligently and making use of the opportunities before them. We have to encourage our young people to pursue positive living and help them to prepare to become leaders in their country,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
“As we stand here at the RLB Community Park, we can only reflect on the life of the nation’s first Premier – Sir Robert Bradshaw, a man who came from very humble parentage and environment. What he had was an ambition – his dreams to make life better for himself and for the people. In time he put thought into action for the positive upliftment of his country,” said Dr. Douglas, adding:
“Bradshaw surrounded himself with likeminded individuals and together fought the scourge of colonialism. In the process, he helped advance the psyche of our people – the mental change that was necessary that started us on our way toward political independence. In this process, we recall the input of many others including National Heroes The Right Excellent Sir Joseph N. France and the Right Excellent Sir C. A. Paul Southwell as well as former Premier His Excellency Sir Lee L. Moore and the first Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.”
Prime Minister Douglas pointed out that the young people in St. Kitts and Nevis “can look at our contemporary history and find examples of outstanding role models – people who loved their country, denied the restrictions of poverty and committed themselves to serve their country. As young people, you too can make a positive difference. If you haven’t already started, make today, National Heroes Day 2009, the turning point in your life.”
He called on the young people to become involved with the country’s development in whatever form that is of interest to them.
“The communities around this country need the positive influence of young people,” said Dr. Douglas as he expressed appreciation to the sports men and sports women who represent the Federation and make the nation proud.
“They are playing their part in demonstrating that our young people can achieve when they incorporate the right work ethics. This country belongs to all of us,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He called on all to reflect how far the nation has come and on the challenges, the successes and the achievements of the people.
“Let us secure the social and economic gains that have taken decades for us to build. We cannot as a people at this critical phase in our development gamble with our brighter future. Let us continue to pray for the protection of our nation from the effects of natural hazards. Let us all be determined to make this nation a better place for every law-abiding citizen and resident,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
