Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 17, 2009 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Finance will do “all that it can” to mobilize resources in support of various youth-related programmes being carried out by Government agencies.
That commitment was given by Deputy Financial Secretary for Budget, Calvin Edwards, as he discussed the outcomes of the National Consultation on the Economy, on this week’s edition of SKNIS Perspectives.
He said that the issue of youth development was clearly tied to the continued economic development in St. Kitts and Nevis and additional investment was necessary to protect future growth. As such, Mr. Edwards stated that greater financial and technical assistance have been pledged to the Youth Department to implement aspects of the National Youth Policy that refers to “the harnessing of youth energies and directing them in positive lifestyles.”
The Police Boys’ Club and its partner progamme run by the Fire and Rescue Services were also highlighted for their meaningful impact on the nation’s youth.
Mr. Edwards hailed the format of this year’s annual forum, which saw a large contingent of youth actively participating in shaping the Fiscal Budget for 2010 along with economic stakeholders in the public and private sector. He described the experience as “unique” and the discussions on youth interventions as “engaging and timely.”
Consensus was reached on ways to further empower young people.
“Youths tend to listen to their peers so we are going to use positive peer pressure,” he revealed, noting that mentoring by influential youth was encouraged. “Also, each ministry was encouraged to … not wait for a general consultation but to engage their [partners] on their own to get ideas and shape policy so the services that these ministries deliver can be more effective in reaching youth.”
The 4th annual National Consultation on the Economy observed the theme “Youth Development at the Core of Our National Priorities.”
