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| Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS that he was learning a lot being among and dialoguing with the 200 participating delegates from across the Commonwealth. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 25, 2006): Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley and Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Jeneve Mills are in the Bahamas representing St. Kitts and Nevis at the 6th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting.
The May 22 - 26 conference is an opportunity for ministers and senior officials from across the Commonwealth to meet with young people to discuss progress in member countries on youth related issues. Examples of workshop topics include: "Young People and the Digital Divide", "Crime and Violence" and "HIV/AIDS: The Challenges for Young People".
During a telephone interview, Director Hanley told SKNIS that he was learning a lot being among and dialoguing with the 200 participating delegates from across the Commonwealth. "It is also a time for me to learn from the experience of the youth ministers & ways of improving youth development," he stated. "I have already (taken) note of at least six new projects that I intend to introduce to the youth of St. Kitts."
Hanley also secured funding for St. Kitts and Nevis' implementation of the Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative " a model programme designed to develop entrepreneurial qualities and provide credit to young people across the Commonwealth. It is fashioned after other successful micro-credit schemes.
"The youths of St. Kitts can rest assured that on our return we will put measures in place so the funds can be accessed," Hanley stressed.
At the meeting, youth ministers were encouraged to advocate for raises in the national budget for their respective ministries in order to enhance the development and participation of youths in their country.
On Wednesday, Hanley met separately with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Don McKinnon, as well as the Bahamian Governor General H.E. Arthur D. Hanna and Prime Minister Hon. Perry Christie.
The 6th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting is being held at the Radisson Cable Beach & Golf Resort, Nassau.
