CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - WITH April being recognised as Youth Month in the Federation, Minister with Responsibility for the development of young people on Nevis, Eric Evelyn said the island would this year focus on Climate Change and its impact on the territory.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Restore the Earth”, and the Minister reminded that climate change and other factors that contribute to environmental degradation have severely broken the natural systems.
In supporting that assertion, Minister Evelyn cited the rising sea levels, the frequency of hurricanes and their intenseness, the extinction of animals, temperature rises, and the frequency of droughts and their severity, as some of the environmental challenges affecting the island and the world over.
“Despite what some persons may think, climate change is real and it deserves very serious attention. On this note, we must restore our earth! We must restore our earth not just because we care about the natural world, but because we live in it. It is our home! Each one of us needs a healthy earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health, survival and happiness. The truth is, a healthy planet is not an option – it is a necessity!” Evelyn asserted.
A number of activities are slated to be held this month that will bring the theme into sharper focus.
Amongst the activities are Youth Beach Games on Easter Monday, April 5th, a 30-Day Climate Action Challenge and a Moonlight Walk.
Additionally, attention will be placed on capacity building of youth groups.
“Unfortunately, most of our youth groups are generally weak and are therefore in need of capacity-building sessions. Registered youth groups will benefit from training programmes related to First Aid and Positive Youth Development,” Evelyn added.
With its sister Department on St. Kitts, the Department will be launching a Youth Capacity Building Project, which has gained the financial stamp of approval from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.
“For this project, a select cadre of registered youth groups will benefit from an audit and undergo training sessions related to good governance and accountability compliance.
“The select groups will also benefit from the implementation of their sustainable development project. I take this opportunity to admonish all youth groups to register with the Department of Youth to be able to benefit from the offerings of the Department,” Minister Evelyn explained.
