BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 6, 2010 (PAM Secretariat Press Release) - 18 vibrant and industrious Young Pamites – 9 young men and 9 young ladies – were successfully selected to participate in a course offered by the Department of State, Modernization and Governance of the OAS Secretariat for Political Affairs.
The course on democracy and politics in the Caribbean was conducted on-line over an 8-week period, June 1st to July 23rd.
The 18 Young Leaders of the People's Action Movement, who are from constituencies across St. Kitts, received exclusive exposure and an enhanced understanding of democratic values and practices in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the wider Caribbean region. They also deepened their appreciation of the structure of governance, the Constitution and the rule of law, and the tools necessary to uphold institutional strength and efficiency in government in the modern age.
According to Miss Caribbean Talented Teen 2008-09 Ms. Che-Raina Warner, one of the successful participants: “The course was quite rigorous but I think we all enjoyed the intellectual challenge it provided. We had to complete assignments every week, including a 20-page research paper on aspects of democracy in St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as another research paper on the threats to our democracy. It was an excellent opportunity and we thank the OAS for selecting us for this advanced programme. We also are grateful to the Political Leader Mr. Lindsay Grant for making a personal donation to defray the costs of this course for us. We appreciate his commitment to investing in the development of youth who will lead this nation in future.”
Akietha Buchannan one of the course participants said "It was certainly a learning experience and i must congratulate the People's Action Movement Yougn Pamites group for initiating and organising my participation in the course."
"The course was challneging but the knowledge gained was well worth the challenges i experienced," said Elmo Burke another course participant.
The Young Pamites who participated in the course were between the ages of 17 and 28 years. The successful participants will all receive official Certificates from the Organisation of American States later this month. Special thanks and appreciation are extended to Dr. Asyl Warner, and to PAM Parliamentarians the Hon. Eugene Hamilton, PAM Deputy Political Leader, and the Hon. Vincent Byron, Opposition Senator, for their kind and able assistance and encouragement offered to the Young Pamites throughout their journey to self-improvement.
Without a doubt, these 18 Young Pamites are now much better-equipped to make a powerful and meaningful contribution to nation-building in St. Kitts and Nevis and to continue to devote themselves to public service for the benefit of all their fellow citizens. They certainly deserve our high commendation and congratulation.
