It has been widely observed, for a long time now, that the Department of Youth and Culture is one of the most important and successful departments of the Anguilla Government, with a whole set of initiatives geared towards community development and youth empowerment. The interesting thing about this department is that it is not a public revenue-earning agency, and has very little assigned funds for its own operations – let alone for the various ambitious programmes it undertakes.
Both the ministry and the department have a vested interest in youth affairs, culture and sports, that is taking our young people to heights unheard of before in national development. It is a matter for much commendation because it is upon the shoulders of our teeming young people that rest the burdens of rebuilding our island nation, and taking us to what we perceive to be our Promised Land of lofty goals and opportunities.
Here are some of the ministry’s and the department’s many exciting programmes that inspire pride and motivation among our youth and ensures a good future for them: Sustainable Livelihoods involving the Job Linked-up Programme; the Anguilla Service Corps (Youth Exposure Component); the Get Set Entrepreneurial Programme; Youth Participation in Governance; Decision-making; Community and Nation-building including Youth Leadership Summit Training; Anguilla National Youth Conference; Open Mic, Youth Spin; Youth Ambassador Corps; Student Governments/Councils; National Youth Week; Straight-up Conversation (Youth in Government); the just-launched National Youth Parliament; the Youth Wellbeing Programme including Youth Splash; the After-school Wellbeing and Fitness Programme; the Peaceful Co-existence in Public Spaces Programme including Joint Summer Camps; Parenting Support; Youth and Community Centres; and Partners Advocating for Violence Eradication (PAVE); the Implementation of an Anti-Violence Strategy; the Anguilla Service Corps (Volunteers and Mentors); Cultural Industries and Artistic Promotion and Development including Anguilla Honours and Awards; the Youth Escape Programme; and Art Workshops. Then, there are a number of governmental and non-governmental agencies with which the Department of Youth and Culture partner in terms of various annual community-based initiatives. These include Festival Del Mar; the Welches Fest; South Valley Street Festival; Festival De Noel; and the Community Christmas Tree Lightings and Festivals.
The above list is by no means exhaustible as both the Ministry and Department of Youth and Culture constantly seem bent on hammering out praiseworthy and effective programmes and initiatives one after the other. There are obviously some very hard-working and visionary administrators and very active staff in the above ministry and department. Somebody needs to take the time to unreservedly give them kudos – as The Anguillian now takes the lead in doing – if not, as the Bible says, “the very stones will cry out” in appreciation and gratitude.
