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Contact:
Virnet St. Omer-Fontenelle
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - Government has answered questions about a
timetable for the financing and implementation of recommendations in the
National Youth Policy, with the tabling of the estimates of revenue and
expenditure in the House of Assembly on Tuesday April 20, 2004, thereby setting
the stage for the execution phase.
The youth policy is a statement of principles and general guidelines and the
Budget came on the heels of its acceptance by Parliament. Through the
announcement of a number of programmes of support for youth development, the
Government has given life to a number of the recommendations in the policy.
A plan of action to tackle issues of education, employment and sports was
articulated in the 2004-2005 Budget address. Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony
outlined a plan, which would make it easier for young persons to raise money to
finance tertiary education. “I propose to establish a Human Resource Development
Credit Facility”, the Prime Minister announced, explaining that the facility
would consist of a loan from financial institutions and a grant from the
Government of Saint Lucia. Grant support of 50 percent of the loan, up to a
maximum of EC$25,000 will be provided to persons desirous of pursuing tertiary
education.
The National Youth Policy, which places a high value on youth employment for
economic participation and social wellbeing makes recommendations for skills
training and entrepreneurial programmes, including a youth apprenticeship
programme, employment tax credit for employers who retain apprentices, and a
youth enterprise development fund amounting to $94,000.
The financial support for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund is to come from
the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Dr Anthony says it will have the effect of
creating “more opportunities for disadvantaged youth to create their own
enterprises and acquire new skills. They will be so empowered as to be able to
participate in more social, economic and political activities.” He added that
“as more young persons gain the experience of running successful enterprises, it
will mean more young people becoming economic leaders in their communities.”
This year’s pledge by Government to support positive youth development in sport
promotes and encourages private sector participation in the financing of clubs.
The Prime Minister explained that the Income Tax Act would be amended to allow
for an allowance equal to 150 per cent of the actual expenditure incurred in
respect of contributions to recognised clubs on the promotion or sponsorship of
sporting activities or events, or sportsmen. The allowance will be restricted to
actual expenditure of $50,000 in any given financial year.
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