YOUTH development is a process that prepares a young person to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood and achieve his or her full potential. Youth development is promoted through activities and experiences that help youth develop social, ethical, emotional, physical and cognitive competences.
By cognitive development I mean, very simply, the growth of a child’s ability to think and reason.
In its “Putting People First” document of 2021, as it relates to youth and sports, the St. Lucia Labour Party indicated that a Labour Party government would encourage programmes that support skills training, mentorship and the development of emotional intelligence; and to assist young people to become entrepreneurs.
In the area of sports, the St. Lucia Labour Party indicated that it would encourage the participation of a wide range of sporting activities.
Indeed, to lead the charge in the Ministry of Youth Development and sports are the energetic Minister of Youth Development and sports, Hon, Kenson Casimir, and a young and seasoned educator, in the person of Mr. Rohan Lubon, Director of Youth Development and Sports.
Since coming into office, the government has caused young people to be involved in numerous sporting activities locally, regionally, and internationally. During the month of October 2023, scores of young St, Lucians have been involved in various sporting activities.
On October 20, the Creole Horse Race was held on the ‘’Caca Bef’ in Vieux Fort. St. Lucians everywhere on the island went to support the young jockeys and the organizers who were very pleased with the level of support that they received from the public.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports which sponsored the meet, and the Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort South Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony, must have been very pleased with the outcome of the racing activity.
Also in the month of October was the Ministry of Youth and Sports sponsored Under 19 Schools Netball Competition. Secondary Schools students throughout the island were engaged in the Under 19 Schools Netball Competition, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills.
Also in October was the ‘Walaba’ knock out Cricket Competition which was held on the Canaries playing field.
The St. Lucia Olympic Committee under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth and Sports sent a contingent of four young athletes to represent St. Lucia at the Pan American Games being held in Santiago, Chile. Team St. Lucia team comprised of Jayhan Odlum-Smith, Naomi London and Deland Edwin.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has also organised an under 15 Netball Tournament. In the first match, Micoud Secondary and Choiseul Secondary played to a draw.
On October 18, 2023, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports presented a table tennis board and other playing equipment to the Babonneau Secondary School to enhance the school’s table tennis programme.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports over the years has organized both table tennis and lawn tennis for the youth of St. Lucia. Alhil Cyril, a teenage tennis sensation has been very impressive on the field of play. Alhil is the highest-ranked under 14 player in the English speaking Caribbean and has been selected to attend the upcoming training camp in the Bahamas
St. Lucia has been participating in the Concacaf Football Tournament. St. Lucia beat Guadeloupe. However, the local team was beaten in the return match between themselves and Guadeloupe.
Indeed, Cricket West Indies (CWI) had called up a 14-member squad to participate in the CG United Super 50 cup. The squad includes three St. Lucians: Ackeem Auguste, Mc. Kenny Clarke and Kimani Melius.
The St. Lucia Golf team returned to the island after winning the Gross Championship of the Eastern Caribbean Golf Association.
Indeed, the sports programme of the Ministry of Youth and Sports is very hectic. And I wish at this time to wish the ministry well in implementation of its activities.
On September 25, the Ministry of Youth and Sports brought the young people together in a Youth Mock Parliament which was held in the Parliament of St. Lucia.
Now, the Youth Parliament would enable the participants to sharpen their research skills and synthesize information from all over the world. The Youth Mock Parliament also allows young people to sharpen their debating skills and practice how to write policies and learn about cultures, and demonstrate their social abilities. The Youth parliament helps students to build confidence to succeed.
And now, we come to a very notable activity which is being organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. And that is the National Youth Awards. During that ceremony, deserving young individuals in the various local communities are recognized for their outstanding performance in various sporting activities.
As it relates to Community Education and Development, the Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet and Minister for Youth and Sports have focussed on community education and development in the north of the island. The Gros Islet Community Library has been re-instated to allow the community to access information.
Added to that, the St. Lucia government is providing First Generation scholarships which has allowed the young people of Gros Islet to be selected.
In conclusion, I wish to point out that playing fields are now being illuminated island wide, and the long outstanding beach waterfront which has been in dire need of attention, is now being attended to.