Nevis Administration will use its limited resources to empower youth, says Youth Minister Brandy-Williams
NIA Charlestown Nevis –The Nevis Island Administration is determined to use its limited resources to equip and empower the youth of Nevis. The assurance was given by Junior Minister of Youth Hazel Brandy-Williams, when she delivered an address at the Department of Youth and Sports Awards Ceremony and Gala on April 26th.
The event which was held at the Occasions Conference Centre at Pinney’s Industrial Site, celebrated the achievements of a number of youth on Nevis and their contributions to the development of Nevis in the past year, and was one of the last activities which brought the curtains down on Youth Month 2014 which was celebrated under the theme: “Generation Action, Enlarging Youth opportunities and choices through Leadership, Health Education, Sports and Innovation.”
“The Nevis Island Administration is determined to use its limited resources to equip and empower this nation’s youth to become a generation of action and as such, we are taking a holistic approach to their overall development…
“As our youth take action and embrace their power to make a positive impact, this Administration, through the Department of Youth and Sports, vows to provide additional avenues through which youth opportunities and choices can be increased,” she said.
The Minister added that the NIA recognised the importance of the youth and wanted to prepare them for the future and as such the theme for this year’s Youth Month promoted change.
“This theme provided a new positive label for identifying our youth. It called on our youth, as young people to be the agents of change, to take ownership of not only their own lives but also to take ownership of this entire island,” she said.
During the month, the activities held included a health fair, a week-long day camp which was dubbed “Camp Action,” a Youth Rally and a Youth Leadership Symposium during which a new executive for the Nevis Youth Council was elected to sit for 2014/2015.
There was also a Poetry Night which was held at the Caribbean Cove and a Youth Speak Essay Contest. The youth participated in International Youth Service Day, a beachnic at Pinney’s Beach and the “Be Your Career Day,” which Minister Brandy-Williams thought was the greatest innovation.
“To me, the greatest innovation was the Be Your Career Day where primary and secondary school children spent the day at an institution in which they would like to pursue their career.
“Some were interested in the culinary arts, the nursing profession, one ventured to be a boat captain, youth worker, the priesthood and even being a politician. As you would realize, careful thought would have gone into our event planning, so that each of these activities is directly connected to some element of this year’s theme…To the youth, you are our future leaders. You are the next doctor, the next lawyer, the next priest, the next politician and so, we are therefore investing in your future,” she said.
However, Minister Brandy-Williams noted that although April was drawing to a close, the activities for youth celebrated during that month, would be continued.
“Even though April has been designated as Youth Month, I guarantee you that the activities won’t end here. The Department of Youth and Sports will continue to explore creative ways to engage our youth in wholesome and positive activities,” she said.
The Minister also used the opportunity to give public recognition to the staff at the Department of Youth and Sports.
“As Minister responsible for Youth I would like to recognise the staff at the Department of Youth and Sports…We salute you for your hard work and dedication especially through this month, Youth Month…
“I must thank you for your hard work and sacrifices you would have made to ensure that the month of activities is a resounding success. It is my sincere hope, that you would continue to work as a team and to move the Department forward,” she said.
During the ceremony, Junior Minister in the Nevis Island Administration Hon. Troy Liburd delivered remarks on behalf of Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory, while Anselm Caines, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Youth Ambassador, also the event’s chairman delivered the opening remarks. The national anthem was delivered by Rancito Jeffers, Pastor Ron Daniel prayed for the proceedings and live entertainment came from the Rehabilitation Group Impression (RGI).