Ambassador Elizabeth Chu has commended the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Programme here.
She was speaking at the handing over of money for the next YES Programme.
Chu noted that “in St. Vincent and the Grenadines one of the most successful government programmes aimed at empowering young people is the YES Programme.”{{more}}
She looked at the “strategic partnership between private enterprise and government,” and pointed out that it would “be of practical help in providing a wide spectrum of the population with training opportunities and in helping them to achieve their employment potential.”
Chu identified the YES Programme at the Orange Hill Demonstration Farm, run by the Taiwanese Technical Mission as part of the collaborative effort.
“Whenever I visit the Tissue Culture Laboratory, I notice that the young people who attend this programme are dedicated to the work they are assigned and express their promising future,” Chu said
She expressed the hope that “more young people will be encouraged to enroll and take part in the YES Programme.”
Chu however would like to see “more employers and other organizations, playing an active role in the programme.”
Chu handed over to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves a cheque of US$ 424,592.29 on behalf of her country.
“I hope it will be of assistance to the young people presently enrolled on the YES Programme,” she pointed out.
Chu directed her thoughts to the emphasis on education and training, which she disclosed “play an important role in developing and enhancing the skills, aptitude and knowledge of young people.” The Ambassador also stressed on preparing youngsters “for the world of work.”
And the Ambassador was at pains to point out that “young people are our future.”
She advised: “In any society the welfare and well-being of its young people must be prioritized.
The YES Programme was a manifesto item of the Unity Labour Party. Youngsters are trained and given a stipend.
Chu was happy to be at the ceremony especially in view of the fact that Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne was leading a delegation to attend the presidential inauguration in Taiwan at that time.
“This not only signifies the warm friendship that both St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan have enjoyed for past twenty-two years, but also emphasizes the close relationship that will continue to grow,” Chu stressed.
She praised Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Deputy Prime Minister Louis Straker for their solidarity with President Chen and Vice President Lu.