Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — Youth between the ages of 16-29 from St. Kitts and Nevis, was welcomed to the 14th edition of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) “Vybzing” Youth Forum on Wednesday May, 13th at the Ocean Terrace Inn.
Manager, Information Services Unit at the CDB, Ms. Angela Parris extended thanks to the participants and encouraged them to be actively engaged in the discussions.
“It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you to this “Vybzing” Youth Forum on “Promoting Creative Entrepreneurship” on behalf of the President, management and staff of the Caribbean Development Bank,” Manager Parris said. “I extend sincere thanks to the government and people of the federation of St. Christopher and Nevis for the enthusiastic support and involvement in this youth outreach programme.”
Ms. Parris made special mention of the relationship between the CDB and St. Kitts and Nevis.
“CDB has a long history in the region and association with the government of St. Kitts and Nevis as we have sought over the past forty-five years to work in partnership to contribute to the harmonious economic growth and development of not only your country but those of the entire Caribbean Region,” she said “St. Kitts and Nevis was a founding member of the bank, so you can see that the government and people have always recognized the importance of regional development, collaboration and integration.”
She further stated that the “vision to create the bank emerged in the early 1960s when countries in the region were gaining their independence.
Ms. Parris stressed that the “Vybzing” Youth Forum is vital to the development of youth in the region.
“Vybzing is another programme of the Bank that is specifically targeted at youth engagement and participation in the development process,” she stated. “It provides opportunities for the youth to vocalize their understanding of key development issues and to actively participate in developing solutions.”
She echoed that “since 2000, Vybzing youth have been a voice for change tackling issues such as citizen security, youth and road safety, and climate change. This year, the theme of “Promoting Creative Entrepreneurship” is particularly important as the issue of youth unemployment and underemployment is a major concern to the future development of our region.”
The concept of the Youth Forum was introduced in Barbados in 2000, but the actual event was first launched in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2003.