Youth being neglected by minister

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

The prolonged silence of the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs on youth issues clearly demonstrates that not only has he neglected this aspect of his portfolio but his sustained inactivity has led to a breakdown, if not total destruction, of the theme we once so proudly boasted, “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 but 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.

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 affecting the youth while developing strategies to reduce youth unemployment and underemployment.

These are not Herculean tasks given 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.

Due to his pivotal base, the minister is in a position to take this nation forward. But the only way he can do this is by proper consultation with all youth stakeholders.

Nicholas Morris via email