Federal Youth Policy Initiative Launched
(ZIZ News) — The government of St. Kitts and Nevis along with the Nevis Island Administration gathered on Tuesday for the launch of the Federal Youth Policy Initiative during a press conference held at the Ocean Terrace Inn’s Conference Room.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Shawn Richards opened the discussion by noting what the launch of the youth policy can provide to the federation.
“We have the requests of our young people for more attention, more involvement, more opportunity and more action. Today we are responding to these calls and we are bringing to everyone’s attention and creating an awareness of our Federal Youth Policy Initiative which will seek to achieve the finalization of the existing draft Youth National Policy,” Minister Richards explained.
Minister of Youth on Nevis Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams explained the importance of launching the Federal Youth Policy Initiative.
“The importance of the Youth Policy necessitates that meticulous and efficient steps are taken to the creation of the document. This means that youth policies should be sound, and I say very sound documents. A sound youth policy is evidence based. A sound youth policy is inclusive. A sound youth policy is youth driven. A sound youth policy reflects the needs, the dreams and aspirations of your youth”, Williams expressed.
During her presentation, Commonwealth Youth Consultant, Ms. Dwynette Eversley congratulated the government of St Kitts and Nevis on the launch.
“I congratulate the government on its dedication and its commitment to achieving this policy and the Strategic Action agenda. When we say it consolidates all initiatives we begin immediately to understand that we are establishing a blue print for cross sectional cooperation, for more accountability in the management of scarce human and financial resources so that what we do everywhere for young people everywhere can be measured and we can see the success outcomes,” the Youth Consultant noted.
Ministry officials, media representatives and guests present were then given the opportunity to address the panel with ideas or concerns.
The Federal Youth Policy conference was chaired by the Special Advisor to the Ministry of Youth, Mr. Vernon Connor.