Youth advised to avoid distractions in 2009

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

PM Douglas signs authograph for CSS students

“I think to a large extent our young people are challenged. There are several distractions and that is why I stress remaining focused,” Douglas said on his weekly radio program “Ask the Prime Minister”.

Staying focused upon personal goals is a vital component to avoiding the distractions of drugs, violence and gangs, Douglas said.

“I was in a rap session with some young people in St. Pauls on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 4), and one of the burning things that came through is that when a number of young people, for whatever reason, might have left school early…they now recognize that they had missed something. They are trying to get a decent job to move on and it is difficult.”

Additionally, the Prime Minister said that his government, the private business sector and numerous non-governmental organisations continue to provide opportunities for advancement which should be taken advantage of by the youth in the new year.

“It is making use of the opportunities that are now available that is important—evening classes, computer sessions that are being held in the community centres and learning new skills.

“The development bank is there to help establish small entrepreneurs. Start your own little business; you don’t have to sit down and wonder what to do [if you have the skills],” Douglas said in his appeal.

Roughly two hours after the nation’s leader admonished the youth to “avoid the distractions of violence and gangs”,  a violent brawl erupted in Sandy Point between a group of about eight young men from that village and the St. Paul’s area which left the doors of B’s Enterprises and the peace of the community shattered. ~~Adz:Right~~