Support for TT’s youth

Dove was named as one of the 60 young leaders from across the Commonwealth to be the Queen’s young Leaders Award. Her remarks set the tone for the event which largely highlighted the need to have more youths involved in major decision making in the country.

“We want more accountability from our leaders and the choices they make that are sure to impact our future.

More room at the table allowing full participation in the decision and policy making process and matters of governance and development,” Dove said.

“We want more because we are willing to do more, because we deserve more.

Not to gripe and rant and complain but to discuss how more can be done and how we propose that it be done and how we can work with those in our country to get it done.” Her words resonated with TSTT ’s chief marketing officer Ag Camille Campbell, who commended the TT Youth Council (TT YC) for conceptualising the initiative: “blink|bmobile is pleased to be associated with the first Trinidad and Tobago Youth Convention, as the development and support of youth in TT is something that we have always been committed to,” said Campbell in a media release.

“As has been said throughout the convention, the youth of today will be the future leaders of our country and we believe therefore that it is important to equip them with the necessary resources they need to do the best possible job when that time comes.” The event was sponsored by blink|bmobile and also provided free WiFi for the participants throughout the day as well as giveaways and some bean bag fun at its booth. Campbell was pleased with the contributions coming out of the convention and hoped that some of the many useful suggestions would be put into action in the future.

“Through the blink|bmobile Foundation, we have implemented many initiatives targeted at youth whether it be through sport, art, music or training opportunities within our company. Additionally, we continue to improve on our own infrastructure in order to ensure they have the technological tools to make national and global impacts. Our youth are very well informed and have made commendable strides, we hope therefore that they are given the platforms necessary to make a greater impact.” For vice chairperson policy, advocacy and projects at the Commonwealth Youth Council and brainchild behind the event, Nikolai Edwards, these platforms should ideally come in the form of a youth representative on every state board.

Edwards suggested that more young people should be engaged on solving crime as they are the major perpetrators and victims of it. He pleaded with those in authority to provide the necessary avenues for youth to make greater contributions to society and committed to starting that process by providing a report on the Convention to various organisations as well as the general public.

Edwards’ speech was well received and the initiative very welcomed by its many participants. Krystal Austin, a member of the Sixth Formers Association, commended the convention’s organisers for creating the much needed space for youth voices to be heard.

“It was very informative. They brought stuff to the table that we would not have known about otherwise. It enlightened more youths about what is really happening and I think a gathering of youths like this is something that should continue into the future to help enlighten others,” said Austin. As for why she decided to come, Austin said she was interested in doing something “different” and a youth convention was not something often heard of, so it peaked her interest.

Following the opening remarks, there were a number of panel discussions which featured speakers such as Renee Cummings, criminologist and executive director of the Caribbean Anti-Violence Institute, Marcus Kissoon, director, Network for NGOs for the Advancement of Women; Hillan Morean, councillor for St Ann’s River North, Gillian Wall of Powerful ladies of TT and Danielle Ryan of the national Centre for Persons with Disabilities, among many others