THE strength, power and capabilities of the youth is irrefutable. In Saint Lucia, the youth continue to make strides in all facets of society and are often an instrumental part of the shaping of national policy. Now more than ever, concerted and coordinated efforts are being made to not only address the needs of the youth population, but similarly to encourage their empowerment and harness their capacity for nation-building.
The NCPC Youth Audio Visual Competition, an initiative of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), formally opened on Wednesday as one of the highlights for the 3rd observance of Productivity Awareness Week (PAW). Through this competition, youth in Saint Lucia will have the opportunity to produce a 10-15 minute audio visual piece and win fantastic prizes in the process.
Unveiled during a press conference at the Government Information Service (GIS) Studios this week, the competition has among its main objectives, the dissemination and promotion of audiovisual pieces which tackle the issues of productivity and competiveness in Saint Lucia with a focus on increasing awareness of these issues, facilitating dialogue and finding solutions. This activity is also intended to support the discovery of creative expression as an inspiration for the development of the film and audio visual fields.
Communications Specialist at the NCPC, Ms. Taluah says, “These types of initiatives are extremely important. The 21st century youth are not only knowledgeable but they are also very resourceful. Every individual has their own perception of productivity and competitiveness and the challenges which we face as a nation. The Youth Audio Visual Film Festival will not only allow the youth to showcase their creativity and talent, but similarly it will directly engage them by encouraging them to be part of the solution to our productivity and competitiveness challenges. As we seek to raise awareness of these issues and inspire progress, these audiovisual pieces will play a great part in opening minds and changing the way that people view these challenges.”
The Youth Audio Visual Film Festival will be open for submissions through November 6, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in November.
Several corporate entities have embraced this competition. Massy Stores (SLU) Ltd., CPR and The Directors Institute of Media and Technology have agreed to offer prizes ranging from stationery hampers, tablets and scholarships to pursue a 2D Animation course. The top three winning entries will also have the honour of being screened at the 2017 Piton International Film Festival which is scheduled for next summer.
Interested youth (residing in Saint Lucia) are encouraged to visit the NCPC’s website and blog www.stluciancpc.org, www.ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com; call 468-5571/468-5576 or send an e-mail to [email protected] for detailed information on the Competition and to download rules of entry and submission forms.