Charlestown-Nevis-Friday 13th April-The Department of Youth and Sports continued with its busy schedule of activities for the month of April designated as YOUTH MONTH with a grand parade and rally, on the afternoon of Friday 13th April.
Scores of young persons and older individuals participated in the event which commenced at the Nevis Cultural center and climaxed at the Cultural Village.
Among those present were church groups; track clubs; Cricket youth teams; representatives of various schools; a drum corp; DJ’S and community members.
Among the dignitaries present, were: Hon Troy Liburd; Mr. Vernon Connor-Advisor to the Ministry of Youth in St. Kitts; Mr. Keith Glasgow-Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development and Mr. Pierre Liburd-Director of Youth in St.Kitts.
Also present were members of staff of the Youth Empowerment Division in St. Kitts and the majority of the last designated, twenty-five most remarkable teens of St.Kitts and Nevis.
The lively procession, made its way through Main Street Charlestown and attracted quite some attention, as they waved the relevant banners and placards, all reflecting aspects of the 17 sustainable development goals, as stipulated by the United Nations, for achievement, by the year 2030.
When the parade climaxed at the Cultural Village, a brief rally ensued.
This was ably chaired by Miss Curdyce Clarke and included prayer and a steel pan rendition of the national anthem of St.Kitts and Nevis.
In her opening remarks, Miss Clarke gave a brief overview of the sustainable development goals and their significance.
Director of Youth on Nevis, Miss Zahnela Claxton, also spoke to the SDG’S and implored mainly her youthful hearers, to repeat after her in saying the significant words “I am more.’
Her point was for them to recognize that they are MORE than ‘just a little poor boy and because I am more, I can do all I can to make a difference in the federation.’
Permanent Secretary Glasgow, in his remarks noted that the SGD’s, as stipulated by the United Nations, were ‘all inclusive.’
He pointed out that no one is left out, as the SDG’S encapsulate all segments of the population, including the youth, in the thrust for development.
He referred to a definition of sustainable development: “Development that meets the needs of the present population, without compromising the ability of future generations, to meet their own needs.”
Interspersed with the speeches, were two dance performances:
One by the Angelique Dance company out of St.Kitts, which focused on sustainable goal number 14-Life under water and the Elite dance group from Nevis, which focused on sustainable development goal, number 16, which speaks to peace, justice and a strong institution.
Rayana and Rudelcia, also repeated all 17 sustainable development goals from memory.
