Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre made a recent declaration that he is standing with the youth of our nation.
Now, what is the youth population of St. Lucia? National Statistical record indicates that the population of Saint Lucia in 2024 is 179,744 persons. Now, the youth population is currently 88, 074 or 49.9 percent.
Indeed, when we speak of youth, we mean persons between the ages of 0 to 35 years, with the average age of the population being 34 years.
At this stage, there are some pointers that we have to investigate. The youth population is one-half of the national population.
Indeed, the youth population in 2010 was approximately 72 percent. It would be interesting to investigate the reasons for the decline in the youth population.
The Prime Minister has very good reasons to stand with the youth of our nation. But what is the Prime Minister and his government doing to reinforce his assertion? The following are a few noteworthy programmes and projects:
The introduction of the Minimum Wage in St. Lucia. A minimum wage will create increased income for young people and their families, in particular, those who are most vulnerable.
Indeed, many young people worked long and arduous hours and received very low pay for their labour.
The minimum wage introduced in Saint Lucia will begin to curb the inequalities which may exist among families and protect the workers from unreasonably low wages. There is a chance to lift individuals out of poverty and become more productive, spend more money in our economy, and to be able to live the life that they deserve.
Another programme which has been introduced by our government, and conceptualised by our Prime Minister, is the Youth Economy Programme. The YEP will promote youth innovation and highlight their entrepreneurial skills; assist young people to contribute to the local, regional and international marketplace, receive support to obtain capital for investment, enable young entrepreneurs to contribute to the growth of the local economy, help young people to improve leadership and other social skills, and help young people improve the economic status of their family, among others.
It should be understood that young entrepreneurs will be able to employ other young people in the local communities. In fact, they could become employers themselves.
Now the next programme I wish to highlight is the Semi-Professional Football League.
Indeed, the Semi-Professional Football League was launched on March 10, 2024. The government of Saint Lucia and the government of The Republic of Taiwan have provided $200,000 to support the league.
Young footballers are being compensated for their participation and skills in the league.
Youth and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir has indicated that more than 15 skills including bartending, plumbing and carpentry will be offered to young men to improve their lives.
Now this is an exceptional proposal. We know that young men have been identified as poor supporters of their families and are involved in conflicts and criminal activities in society.
The government is using the opportunity to implement workshops which provide training and relevant information on parenting. It is hoped that those parenting skills will help young men to provide effective leadership to their families. What a wonderful way to interact and provide training in social skills to the young men of our society!
Now the Prime Minister and his government have advanced plans for the implementation of a Youth Services Centre in St. Lucia. The government is presently repurposing and retrofitting the former George Charles Secondary School into a state-of-the-art Youth Services Centre for children, adolescents and young people in the state. The centre will provide care, protection and support, Hon. Dr Pauline Antoine has revealed.
Indeed, the centre will provide a legal framework for youth care services for youth at risk and their families.
As an educator and former classroom teacher, I can confirm that many of our children and students need care and protection. I am very pleased that such a decision has been taken by the government and that work should start in earnest on that project.
The Former George Charles Secondary School will provide the space and services to improve the lives of young people. I am also optimistic that a Youth Plan of Action would be developed to provide young people with the opportunities to re-integrate into society as healthy and skilful citizens.