BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – YOUNG persons of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis were advised to invest in their future and that of the country by seizing opportunities provided them for advancement and empowerment.
The counsel came from Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas who was the featured speaker at the launch of the Youth Empowerment through Skills (YES) Programme which took place last Thursday (Feb. 8) at Warner Park.
PM Douglas described the YES programme as “another outstretched hand for the young people of St. Kitts and Nevis” provided by the government. He said this is yet another opportunity which the youth should capitalise on as a direct investment in their future.
“Today, though, we are here to plan, and to dream, and to commit ourselves to the achievement in other areas as well, specifically for our young people. We are here to remind ourselves that lasting and meaningful advancement comes through education…that precious and important opportunities come through training…and that life gives of good choices and special options when we are serious…when we believe in ourselves…when we accept and hold on to that outstretched hand…It is a hand of partnership, a hand of guidance, and a hand of support. It offers you the advancement that you want to make a start in your lives; an advancement through education.”
The PM explained that having successful businessmen and businesswomen as role models is good, but he noted that a look at their present state may not be an effective motivation. But rather, he explained, a look at the present, coupled with a look at the past, and the investment they made in their future, is the ideal motivator.
“Believe and know that the YES Project will stand by you while you try. First, though, let me tell you something. I know that some of you must sometimes look at very successful people in this society and feel intimidated because the difference between your lives and theirs is so great. I think that the problem is that you are looking at them today…but you are forgetting that they were once just as young and inexperienced as you are today.
“Remember that what you are seeing in these successful individuals is the result of years of dedication…years of not giving up…but years of believing in themselves to advance from where they were then to where they are today. Success you see today is their reward. Instead of being intimidated by them, I want you this morning to be inspired by them because many of today’s successful people were just as inexperienced as you and just as insecure as you when they were your age.”
The youth were implored not to view tasks as daunting and not to fear failure, but rather to apply the principles of effort and determination to achieve a desired end.
“Young people of St. Kitts and Nevis, I challenge you this morning, do not be afraid of the future; do not be intimidated by what you do not know; do not be afraid that you will fail, because each of us would have experienced failure of some kind in our own development in our lives. Do not tell yourself that you did not do well in school and so you will not do well in this programme. Step out in faith this morning and learn a skill. Seize the moment and advance yourself so that you can become properly employed for yourselves and for your children.
“A solid, respectable future can and must be yours, and the YES Project will help to make that happen. I want you to remain focus and not become distracted. You will be rewarded if you remain focus. Invest your time and energy my young people, and you will be rewarded. You must dedicate yourselves and you will be rewarded. And the YES Programme will show you how you can achieve…Take charge of your life; give your life a new and positive beginning…today.”
With all other elements necessary for success in place, the PM explained that faith must be exercised.
“Believe and know that you can make it if you try.”
