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| Small islands Voice Youth Ambassador Samal Duggins |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (March 12, 2004): Small Islands Voice (SIV) Youth Ambassador Samal Duggins through his interactions with young people in Mahé, Seychelles was able to appreciate the differences and similarities between the two island groups.
Duggins had been chosen to attend a workshop titled “Democratic Governance for Sustainable Development in Small Island Countries.” The findings of the workshop would have contributed to preparations leading to the “Programme of Action for Sustainable Development of Small Islands Developing States” scheduled to take place in Mauritius in September this year.
As circumstances would have it the workshop did not occur. However, President of the Centre for Rights and Development (CEFRAD) Mr. Matthew Servina who had identified Duggins as a workshop participant, scheduled activities mainly centred around the Department of Youth in Mahé.
Duggins explained that he was able to meet the Mahé youth officials, as well as many students. He enthused that the most exciting activity was a radio interview which he did with “Paradise Radio.” He explained that during the radio show he discussed issues affecting youth in St. Kitts and Nevis, and was able to highlight some of the cultural difference that he had observed between his country and the one that he was visiting.
Duggins explained to SKNIS that the young people in Mahé are very much like those in St. Kitts and Nevis. He noted that the geographic layout of the island reminded him of Nevis yet he said it was as busy as St. Martin.
The motivated young man says that he feels that his next move should be to share the experiences that he has had with other young people. He said that in his role as an SIV Youth Ambassador he has enjoyed travelling and meeting different people and experiencing the different cultures.
In fact, Duggins said that he is pleased to be considered as one of the young people who might be chosen to attend the upcoming Sustainable Development meeting in Mauritius. He said that although his participation is not confirmed he has been mentally preparing himself for such an eventuality.
Duggins further noted that together young people of the small islands in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific can come up with some solutions to some of the problems that plague society. He said that with his experience as an Ambassador, he can help by being one vehicle through which societal issues can be shared between young people of various small islands.
Today’s launching of the “SIV Conch Shells” who will undertake the “Back Chat” educational programme, should provide Duggins with just such an opportunity to share information with young people of various backgrounds.
