BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS the nation draws closer to the next General Elections, Constituency #6’s youth arm of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has begun a series of youth development activities with the view to enhancing the lives of young people through a holistic approach.
The organization, which was revitalized late last year, has set its mandate to empower the youth of St. Paul’s Village and neighbouring communities through sports, health and finance education and leadership development.
Speaking to SKNVibes, Vice President of the Young Labour Organization Meshach Alford said the group represents the engine of its parent party and stressed that its role is not only limited to politics but also includes community development. Alford stated that one of the many advantages is that the group is able to pool concerns together and address them as a collective body.
“Our focus has to be on more than politics because what do we do outside an election period? We have to ensure the holistic development of our people. Our job is to continue to empower our young people by ensuring that ample opportunities are provided allowing them to meet their needs. Our young people face real issues and so we must offer real solutions. Thus we target churches, social and athletic clubs and formal and informal associations within the society as we believe that everyone must benefit from such development.
“What I have witnessed so far is that people who don’t normally have a voice have been given the chance to speak on issues. By bringing their opinions and concerns to the table, we are able to submit a report, whether written or verbal, to the party which can in turn be used to guide decision-making. The composition of the young labour movement is mostly grass-roots but the group accommodates anyone and everyone who has a voice; we do not discriminate.”
Alford explained that by maintaining the philosophies of the Labour Party, the organization is able to transcend barriers of age and gender to allow everyone to “work positively together”.
For the year, the group has organized a number of monthly health walks and has concentrated on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the family and the community in its February 19 Health Focus.
Alford informed that on March 19, the organization will be hosting a Money Management session with Yvonne Williams of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank to educate the public on the importance of budgeting, wise spending and saving.
He opened an invitation to all interested persons to come out to learn more about money management and encouraged all young activists with a passion to make a difference in their community to join the Young Labour Association.
