Youths attend discussion on Draft CARICOM Development Action Plan

Students from several secondary schools across St Vincent were yesterday involved in discussions on the Draft CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan 2012 to 2017.{{more}}

The Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development Youth and Sports held the National Consultation on the Draft CARICOM Development Action Plan, on Monday, December 12, 2011, at the Frenches House.

According to Youth Officer in the Ministry of National Mobilization Social Development, Youth and Sports Anastasia Harry, the Action plan is an institutional framework for national policy, integrated planning and action in support of ministries in youth development.

She added that it is inclusive of enabling an environment which facilitates the inclusion of youths in their communities and supports them in actualizing their potential as agents of national and regional development.

Harry added that the strategic goals of the action plan are Health and Well-being, Participation, Governance and Partnerships, Culture, Identity and Citizenship, Education and Economic Empowerment; Integrated and Coordinated Policy and Institutional framework and Protection, Safety and Security.

Also giving brief remarks at the ceremony, Eli Francois, Director of Community Services declared that the future has never been so bright in terms of development, as there are many opportunities available for youths to develop themselves.

Francois also added that youth need to take hold of the many opportunities available to them, as some youths have embraced the opportunities, while some are left behind.

Representative from the CARICOM Secretariat Heather Johnson, giving a PowerPoint presentation on the draft plan, stated that the plan must meet the approval of the young persons it is intended for. She explained that the plan will guide youth development initiatives for the next five years.

Johnson added that the plan acts as a framework and sets a minimum standard for all youth affairs departments. She further stated that what is done must pertain to local history, local culture and local reality.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of five member states in which consultations on the Draft Action Plan have been held, in order to receive feedback.

The consultation also included group discussions and presentations on the main issues regarding the draft plan.(OS)