Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 6, 2004): Parliamentary Representative for Constituency # 3 Honourable Sam Condor took great pride in commending a group of young people originally from St. Johnston’s Village for launching the group Villagers In Action (VIA).
Minister Condor primarily congratulated Ms. Elsie Mills, under whose tutelage each of the students passed. He then encouraged members to live up to the name of their group which he said suggests that they are going on a journey on the way to a particular destination. He added that it suggests that their journey is not at an end and they are not standing still or stagnant but instead are constantly moving and continuously going foward.
The Parliamentary Representative for the area also used the acronym of the group to encourage members to strive for the best. “V” he said should stand for vibrant, vitality and vision. “I” would stand for initiative and intellect while “A” would be for action. Minister Condor also encouraged the group to undertake community-building activities.
He suggested that they find means of changing the outlook of teen mothers, drug abusers and delinquents. He prompted VIA to reach out to them and provide encouragement, support and assistance.
Honourable Jacinth Henry-Martin in her capacity as Minister of Youth also applauded VIA. She congratulated them for grasping the opportunity to serve as well as cement their bond that goes beyond an occasional meeting to undertake a particular charity activity. She said that by their move to define the group, members have recognised that it takes a village to raise a child and VIA’s goals include ensuring that the community attains its full potential.
She also said that many persons including herself had been impressed with the activities undertaken by the group for the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the St. Johnston’s Preparatory School. The success of these activities however, she said, was a challenge for them to strive for even great levels of accomplishment.
Minister Henry-Martin officially launched the group.
