Condor encourages youths to prepare to lead nation 

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Hon. Sam T. Condor

The call was made last week when the Minister spoke at the Youth Rally and addressed 200-plus youngsters on the Federation’s 25th Anniversary which will be celebrated on Friday, September 19.

Condor said that since September 19, 1983, much work has been done by e then “younger generation” to “make St. Kitts/Nevis a Nation of educated people, of skilled people and of creative people”. 

“On the eve of this,  the 25th Anniversary of Independence, as we take stock of where we have been and where we are today, we must all feel a sense of great pride in our achievements; our progress and success to date. 

On many fronts, we have done well and can say with some measure of satisfaction that we are undoubtedly moving forward in the right direction. We have stumbled at times and have suffered setbacks at other times, but there can be no doubt that we have been steadfast in our resolve and firm in our commitment to the welfare of our people.”    ~~Adz:Right~~

Describing them as the “Millennium Generation”, Condor told the youths that the future of the nation rests in their hands and impressed upon them the need to be prepared for challenges and successes which the future may bring.

“My generation, youth of the 60’s and 70’s, are yet inspired to greater effort…yet enthused to keep marching forward. But it is you, the Millennium Generation, that must now take hold of this legacy, this great inheritance of ours, and to work earnestly and tirelessly for sustained economic growth and development that can banish poverty and deprivation from our midst. You have the opportunity to prepare yourselves with knowledge, creativity, skills, spiritual and behavioral understanding for success. You are the magic wand you seek! You are the renewed energy we need! I want to encourage each of you to play your part to ensure that succeeding generations of youth do not lose sight of our legacy of a proud, conquering people.”

Condor said “the best is yet to come” for the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, especially with the release of “the knowledge and creative energy of our youth” which “will drive St. Kitts and Nevis into a new growth-path”.

Using himself as an example, Condor recounted the memorable moments of his life; from humble beginnings to his current status, “a symbol of fulfillment of our Forefathers dreams; a symbol of inspiration and hope”. He said his achievements are proof that the youth of today could defy their odds.

“I am a son of the soil. A deprived youth from the heart of the ghetto, a community man, an accomplished sportsman and sports administrator, a businessman, an economist, a social scientist, a politician, your Minister of Education, Youth Information and Technology, Labour and Social Security. The Deputy Prime Minister of this proud independent nation…I am a proud national; one of a generation that defied the odds. A proud national who rose above the dismal shame of poverty; a grateful national, who owes my being to the seas and its rich resource of seafood; to the mountains and valleys, richly blessed with fruits and vegetables; and to a caring community and a visionary leadership. I have survived and achieved, so can you!”

The Minister of Youth spurred on the youths to be dogged in bringing continued success to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Youth of our nation, you are the hope of our nation! By all means pursue your dreams, explore all options, but resolve to be part of a concerted effort to give new energy and hope to your people and your nation. Resolve to one day take up leadership positions in your communities and your country at large.”