This week was all about young people and their development in Anguilla. And a great part of the focus was on the 12th Annual National Youth Conference held at La Vue Boutique Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and 25.
Chaired by Mr. Kyrleson Lewis-Klaren, the National Youth Parliament’s Junior Premier and Minister of Finance, Tourism, Trade and Commerce – the Youth Conference attracted a number of young people, many holding membership in the Youth Parliament and others being various adult stakeholders.
In his welcome and protocol remarks, the impressive youth leader, Mr. Lewis-Klaren, said in part: “Today, we focus on the development of the new National Youth Policy. We have had several different consultations since we started on Sunday, September 22, and we all are getting somewhere.”
Speaking on behalf of Mr. Neil Gumbs, President of the Anguilla National Youth Council, was his under study candidate, Mr. Joe-Aidle Richardson. “It can no longer be said that the youth are our future. The youth are undoubtedly present, and this is evident by the wide range of young people gathered here from different demographics throughout Anguilla,” he stated. “You are present and your voice is necessary in drafting a Youth Policy that will reflect your development.
“I encourage you to be engaged in these two days of activity. Let your voice be heard. It is quite evident that Anguilla is experiencing a changing tide where social and mental issues are on the rise. In these changing times, we, as youth leaders, must take the initiative to investigate the root of these matters and advocate for policies that directly attempt to eradicate these problems.
“Those of you present here must be commended for your selfless interest and sharing your time for national youth development. The Government of Anguilla, through the Ministry of Social Development and the Department of Youth and Culture, must also be commended for providing a seat at the table for us to partner and create an appropriate and effective Youth Policy. We are delighted to be part of such important and necessary initiatives.
“The Anguilla National Youth Council and the National Youth Ambassador Corps are committed to support youth development in Anguilla. We claim our seat at the table in our vision 2048 of a developed and sustainable Anguilla.”
Ms. Avon Carty, Director of Youth and Culture, was very grateful for the support of the young people and assured them that their voices were important and that their opinions were most welcome. “I would like, though, to ask when you are sharing your views with us to be thoughtful, circumspect, be respectful, honest, realistic and serious about what we are asking of you. We really want to hear your thoughts and we all are in this together.”
The feature address was delivered by the Minister of Social Development and Youth Affairs, Mr. Evans Rogers. Both Mr. Rogers and his ministerial assistant, Mr. Cardigan Connor, drew the attention of the young people to a number of Anguillians who are excelling abroad, in various disciplines, and requested them to aspire to achieve like them.
“I implore you to continue to press forward,” Minister Rogers told the youth leaders. “We will do what we can at our level. We, at our ages, cannot put a policy in place for you. You must express your thoughts. The National Youth Policy must be youth-driven. You will have to come up with ideas that will be able to direct the policy-makers to implement your thoughts.”
Ms. Dwynette Eversley, the St. Lucia-based consultant for the National Youth Policy, advised the youth leaders, and the stakeholders, saying: “You are here because of your role in organising and advocating for social change. That role is being exercised over two days by forming a National Youth Policy that you believe in. You are advocating for change in issues that impact you now, and have the potential to impact your long-term future.” She encouraged all participants to contribute to the creation of what should be a well-informed National Youth Policy.
Ms. Joleyne Robin, Senior Programme Officer, Youth and Culture, delivered the closing remarks in which she expressed gratitude and appreciation to all who had contributed to the National Youth Week and the National Youth Policy.
