The National Youth Council’s absence, as Saint Lucia continues to record violent crimes and other troubling incidents dealing with young people, has not gone unnoticed.
Elected in 2022, Yaniqueca Jean-Bart’s expectations were high for the National Youth Council (NYC), however today it is being said that this non-governmental organization which aims to promote the participation of youth in the economic, social, cultural, and political life in Saint Lucia, is unusually silent.
In an interview on ‘News Maker Live’ on Wednesday, Jean-Bart explained that “the NYC came into a period when because of some situation that occurred, we really needed to rebrand and look at the way in which the NYC is being received by the public.”
“Anytime we would be heading out we would be asked about that particular situation. We had to handle internal affairs so that we could drive the organization in a better direction. There was a lot of structural work that needed to be done which we’ve been taking on,” she said.
Jean-Bart made it clear that despite this, “the NYC is working and we’re having activities etc. There’s just a lot that needs to be done in terms of structure.”
Former NYC President Jeshurun Andrew also spoke on the issue on ‘News Maker Live’ on Wednesday.
According to him, “I know that internally they have been working with USAID to try to roll out a few programmes in the communities to address the crime situation. The information that I have currently suggests that there are consultations going on at the moment with persons from USAID and the NYC to work towards creating some of those programmes and initiatives that are required at this time.”
But he admitted that the NYC can play a stronger role “in terms of advocating and getting more of corporate Saint Lucia to come on board to be part of the movement to help them develop those plans and initiatives that are coming on stream.”
In 2022, Jean-Bart, and six other individuals were elected to represent the Council, namely, Dellan Emmanuel (1st Vice President), Zena George (2nd Vice President), Necoll Herelle (General Secretary), Marcus Giraudy-Ghirawoo (Assistant General Secretary), Jeanique Louis (Treasurer) and Jeannive Gonzague (Public Relations Officer).
After she was elected, Jean-Bart noted that the challenge ahead was a monumental one, however, she and her executive were ready.
“Since assuming office, we have begun putting action plans in place as to how we will deal with various issues confronting the youth of Saint Lucia,” Jean-Bart said.
Jean-Bart’s time in office is winding down, however, and is expected to come to an end this year.
In 1997, the Saint Lucia National Youth Council Incorporation Act was passed in parliament, making the Council the legal and legitimate body representing Saint Lucia’s youth between the ages of 10 and 35. The NYC was established not long after, on April 14, 1985.