New home of the Department of Youth

 

Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 17, 2004): The innovative programmes of the Department of Youth will now be implemented from their new offices at Church Street.

The department was relocated to have better access to key persons in authority including the newly assigned Permanent Secretary Osmond Petty as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Social and Community Development and Gender Affairs Hon. Sam Condor.

Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley indicated that the staff received a warm welcome from members of the Ministry of Education as well as Gender Affairs, who also occupy the building.

"The way he (Minister Condor) greeted us indicated that we are going to have a superb working relationship," he said, adding that the initiatives of his department have been infused with new energy and determination. "It is our intention to ensure that the programmes that we plan are well executed and (will achieve) the goals and the objectives laid out by government for youths."

Hanley stressed that the relocation also facilitates easier access for youths and concerned individuals to visit the office as it is now stationed in Basseterre’s business hub.

"We are making the office more open to our youths and youth groups," he explained, recounting a visit earlier in the day by a student of the C.F.B. College, who came to discuss future developments.

This openness fits into the overall plan of the department to encourage greater interaction with young people and institute a higher level of responsibility among representatives.

"We will be strictly enforcing the policy, that any young person who leaves the country on government-funded youth related programmes or exchanges will be obligated to give a report upon their return," the youth director stressed.

These reports will be made available to interested parties. Youth associations are also encouraged to submit information on persons who represent the Federation overseas to ensure that they are recognised in an appropriate manner.

While delivering remarks at the recently held Washington Archibal High School Speech Day and Prize Giving ceremony, Minister Condor described the alignment of the Ministry of Youth with the Ministry of Education as a good development.

"This will facilitate closer and direct collaboration between the (departments) in the planning and implementation of programmes geared towards youth development including building national pride and awareness, and counseling and career guidance," he remarked. Technical skill development as well as social discipline and appreciation for the environment were also identified by the minister.

"Our aim will be to foster an environment in which our young people can meaningfully participate in their communities and the country as a whole," said Minister Condor.