Young UNESCO-based Kittitian sends strong success message

Mr. Von Michael Martin, St. Kitts-Nevis citizenemployed by UNESCO in Paris in the Bureau of Financial Management, H.E. DrDavidson L. Hepburn, President of the UNESCO General Conference, andAmbassador-at-large of the Bahamas to UNESCO, and H.E. Dr. David P.Doyle, Permanent Delegate of St. Kitts and Nevis to UNESCO.

St. Kitts, September 23, 2010 (SKNIS): Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Dr. David Doyle has applauded a Kittitian Youth who is excelling at the International level.

According to Dr. Doyle when Von Martin showed interest in UNESCO’s Young Professionals Programme he had no doubt that Mr. Martin had the ability to perform creditably. He added that within a year, Von has exceeded every expectation.

In communicating with the local UNESCO Office, Von, who is employed at UNESCO Headquarter’s Bureau of Financial Management has indicated that he is humbled by the opportunity afforded him and wants to use it as a means of inspiring other youth.

“Lead! Don’t Be Lead!,” said Von as he voiced his success strategy. “I was the only person from the entire Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to secure employment for that year, as well as the only Kittitian working at UNESCO Headquarters. … by extension I would be viewed as an unofficial representative of my country. I am humbled by this responsibility in the discharging of my professional duties, even as I embrace its significance for St Kitts & Nevis,” said Von in his statement.

He added that it was his belief that what distinguishes him from others would be his “pursuit of opportunities buttressed by unwavering ambition and dedication.”

Von Martin

Von, called specifically on youth to stay focussed, calling his success evidence “that hard work and an inclination towards positive activities certainly yield benefits that can extend well beyond the national boundaries of the Federation. There is no denying the remarkable pool of talent and intellect in St. Kitts & Nevis. Nonetheless, our young people are required to nurture and constantly improve their skill sets, and to strive, without compromise, for the highest standards in all endeavours.”

Reflecting on his experience at UNESCO Von said he felt he had benefitted greatly. “I have been able to make my contribution to all of the major sections within the Bureau of Financial Management, and already I can confidently say that it has been a remarkable journey which has been enhanced by the mentorship and camaraderie that I have received from my peers, as well as the extraordinary experience of living and working in a dynamic city such as Paris.”

Von commended the work of Dr. David Doyle Permanent Delegate of St. Christopher and Nevis to the United Nations and Mr Antonio Maynard, Secretary General of The National Commission for UNESCO for their unswerving dedication to the development of the Federation through the offerings of UNESCO. He said Dr. Doyle “vigorously advocated the special considerations faced by Small Island Developing States and has boosted the visibility of the Federation in the decision making arena.” He added that Mr Maynard had contributed significantly as well from the St. Kitts standpoint.

Von is the son of Mrs. Jacinth Henry Martin past Minister of Government in The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis now resident in the U.K. and Mr. Michael Martin.