BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FULFILLING a mandate given to them by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1996, the Departments of Youth on St. Kitts and Nevis continue to draft a Federal Youth Policy.
The document was formally handed over to Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas during the opening ceremony of last evening’s (Sept. 9) fifth annual National Consultation on the Economy. Representatives from civil society, government and the public and private sectors were present to witness the historic moment, which was a long time in the making.
According to Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley, the drafting the policy began in 2002. During that time, his department held several consultations with youth groups, stakeholders and representatives from the Commonwealth Youth Programme in order to craft the document.
Despite the delay, Hanley spoke glowingly of the document and his vision for its implementation.
“This is a document of hope for the young people of this nation. It is designed to re-energise our youth in a positive direction. It is for those at risk and those who are already making positive contributions to the society,” he explained.
“Issues such as youth entrepreneurship, youth leadership and youth employment are explored in the document. The policy also contains provisions for the creation of several important initiatives, namely a National Youth Advisory Committee, a Youth Credit Initiative and a Youth Development Centre.”
Hanley set November as the deadline for submission of the final policy to the Minister of Youth, Hon. Sam Condor. Copies of the draft are available online at the government website and the Department of Youth’s offices on Church Street.
Hanley urged persons to review the policy and submit their recommendations to his Department as soon as possible.
“We’re hoping to have it ready for Youth Month 2009 in November, but in the interim I want to encourage the public to read the policy and give their suggestions and ideas to the Department of Youth.
“Our aim is to make the policy as comprehensive as possible, so that when we present it to Minister Condor he can immediately take it to his Cabinet colleagues for their approval.”
