Minister neglecting youth of country

It is clear, given the horrid reports which appear regularly in the news, all of which highlight the plight of youth, that the young demographic of this nation is in crisis without any “saving grace” from those in authority.

The prolonged silence from the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs on youth-centric issues clearly demonstrates the fact that not only has he neglected the youth aspect of his portfolio but his sustained inactivity within the past 15 months has led to a breakdown, if not destruction, of the theme we once so proudly boasted throughout our nation, “A place, a plan and purpose for all youth”.

The minister must be reminded that young people are not only the future of our country. He must realise that effective engagement of our dynamic youth force, which allows for the contribution or creation of youth as equal partners in national decision making, will almost certainly allow for the cemented sustainable national development of TT .

The minister therefore has to break his silence and laissez-faire attitude towards youth development and begin examining, as well as realigning if not redeveloping, a proper equitable framework that addresses the critical issues affecting young people.

It is imperative that his ministry works to address the crime and abuse which affects the youth while even developing strategies which reduce youth unemployment as well as youth underemployment.

These are not Herculean tasks given that the structures would have been put in place before with the initial stages of a TT Youth Commission being undertaken in 2014, which the nation is yet to be updated on since the change in administration in 2015.

The only way the Minister of Youth Affairs can help take this nation forward is by proper consultation with all youth stakeholders.

Nicholas Morris via email