BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 26TH 2013 (CUOPM) – A calls for young people in St. Kitts and Nevis to use their creative energies, develop their passions and to actively participate in their communities in shaping not only a stronger country, but also a stronger Caribbean Community.
In a message to mark CARICOM Youth Day, next Monday 30th September, St. Kitts and Nevis’ CARICOM Youth Ambassador Ms. Sonia Boddie note the theme: “Creativity, Passion and Participation: Youth Leading a Stronger Caribbean.”
“As we reflect on this year’s theme, we recognize that it strongly encourages us as young people, to use our creative energies, to develop our passions, and to actively participate in our communities, so that our actions may lead to our shaping not only a stronger country, but also by extension, a stronger Caribbean Community,” she said in her message.
Ms. Boddie encouraged each and every youth of this Federation,(that is anyone between the age of 15-35), to get on board, to put ‘Country Above Self’ and initiate and create the positive changes they wish to see in the society.
“Let us not look at our age as a hindrance, but rather as an advantage. We are young and bursting with energy, that so many do not possess. Let us, therefore, allow our creative juices to flow, utilize and improve upon our God- given talents, become innovative, and create those same opportunities, we have long been waiting for. Let us start looking at things differently, and begin to think not only outside the box, but above and beyond the box, to transform our ideas into major successes, that would reap benefits, for not only ourselves, but for the wider Caribbean. You are not too young to become the next entrepreneur or inventor,” she said
Ms. Boddie noted that Larry Page started Google at age 23 and Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook at age 19.
“History is anxiously waiting to document your name, next to these accomplished guys. You have what it takes, to take the lead in whatever area you may be passionate about,” she said.
Stating that youth participation is vital to the development of every society, she urged the young people “to become passionate about the causes we stand for, become involved in the decision making processes, and help to shape the policies that impact young people.
“Let us become engaged in volunteer work, so that others may benefit from our time, talents and efforts, and, collaboratively, we can strengthen the nation-building process. Let us empower ourselves, to lead, to lead by example and to lead a life of service. Let us begin to chart creative ways of dealing with today’s challenges, and to face those challenges that lie ahead of us, as we prepare to take the baton, and lead our Caribbean Community, making it even more competitive in the international arena,” she said.
“Let us not ever allow our current, economical, social or political circumstances to dictate our future. In fact, as young people, we ourselves represent the future. We have the power to shape our own future,” said Ms. Boddie.