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Monday, April 30, 2007 – Volunteerism has been singled out as the most
important ingredient in addressing the many issues of youth on the island. In
his address to young people at the 2006 National Youth Awards, Minister for
Youth Lenard Montoute called on resource persons, NGOs and faith based
organisations to do their part in strengthening the volunteer base of the
country.
The event, held under the theme “Preparing Our Youth for the Global Challenges”,
awards young persons in various categories, as means of fostering a climate that
encourages the strive for excellence among the nation's young people.
With youth accounting for over sixty percent of the population, the minister
said, efforts and resources must be geared towards youth development, despite
the limitations.
“Volunteerism is needed in augmenting and complimenting the work of the youth
and sports department. I wish again to take this opportunity to compliment the
work of the many volunteers who contribute to national, and especially youth
development. I wish to acknowledge and embrace your continued invaluable
contribution. I hereby invite more of you to come forward with your ideas and
expertise as we carve out new programmes that will benefit our youth in their
development,” said the minister, who also has responsibility for social
transformation, sports, family affairs and human services.
Permanent Secretary in the Department of Youth and Sports Henry Mangal took a
swipe at the media for what he says is their inclination to more significantly
glorify the negative of a small minority of youth compared to the large number
of positive youth happenings on the island.
The government official called for a halt, to what he deemed as, a selfish and
unsavoury practice, designed solely to improve ratings and sales, while
stigmatizing and discriminating against the youth.
He said, “If you take all the murders committed in St. Lucia last year - a total
of somewhere between 38 and 40 - and assume that all these murders were
committed by young people, then just look at the intensive media coverage that
these murders attracted. Now contrast that with the over 600 students who
graduated from our première educational institution, the Sir Arthur Lewis
Community College, and check the meagre coverage given in the media - maybe one
or two students featured; now is that fair?”
Several awards were presented including “Most Outstanding Student Leader”, won
by Kersharma Samuel, “Most Outstanding Youth in Arts and Culture”, won by Sylli
Emmanuel and “Most Outstanding Youth in Entrepreneurship”, awarded to Mary
Campbell.
Pamela Leonty was presented with the the award for Most Outstanding Youth in
Social Development, while Helping Every Youth Youth Group (HEY) received the
award for Most Outstanding Community organisation. The Most Outstanding Youth
and Sports Council Award went to the South Castries Youth and Sports Council,
while the Wayne Louis Award for Excellence, also known as Youth of the Year, was
won by Kendal Elva.
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