BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE views and concerns of the region’s youth are the topics of discussion at a National Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) consultation today (Nov. 17) at the Ocean Terrace Inn.
A July 2006 mandate from CARICOM Heads of Government created the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development (CCYD) which is charged with examining the current status and future prospects of youth.
After extensive research consisting of literature reviews and UN studies on youth development, youth surveys and focus group discussions, the CCYD produced a draft report of its findings in early 2009.
Over 6 000 youth (aged 10-29) in 13 Caribbean countries participated in the regional study, which touched on issues related to regional integration, governance, health, and crime and violence.
Dr. Edward Greene, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, is in St. Kitts to give a detailed overview of the draft report. Education Ministry officials and secondary school students who attended the consultation’s opening were afforded a glimpse into its recommendations and conclusions.
Increasing global competition, the economic crisis, and crime and violence were identified as the major challenges to youth development. The study also found that there was a lack of regional pride, significant levels of insularity and xenophobia existed, and that there was declining confidence in formal education.
“The major issue emanating from the report is that youth feel as though they are an under-utilised resource, leading to their increased uncertainty and frustration. They are afraid of potential jobs being taken away by foreigner, and are adamant that certificates and diplomas are not guarantors of employment success,” Greene explained.
The report was heavy on CARICOM statistics, noting that the 25-34 age bracket formed 25 percent of regional unemployment, that AIDS was the leading cause of death among youth and that children were being sexually initiated from as early as 10 years old.
According to Greene, recommendations stemming from the discussions focused on enhancing the quality of life and empowerment opportunities for the young people of the region.
“There were calls for a regional Sustainable Youth Livelihood Fund that would be managed by the government and private sector. This recommendation actually came from St. Kitts, so you all should be proud of the impact you had on the report.
“Suggestions were also made for a youth regionalism movement, multi-sectored and culturally relevant crime prevention strategies, and education curricula that was responsive to the needs of the labour market,” Greene added.
This afternoon, stakeholders from various government ministries, NGOs and the private sector will discuss the report. Their recommendations will be submitted at the next CARICOM Heads of Government summit, where it is hoped that the report will be adopted by regional leaders.
