The government has announced the appointment of fourteen youth ambassadors who were presented with their certificates of appointment at a ceremony held at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus on Tuesday, International Day of the Youth, August 12.
Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams officiated at the event where twelve of the fourteen were appointed as National Youth Ambassadors and two as CARICOM Youth Ambassadors. The appointment runs for two years.
Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Rawdon Turner, the Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Senator Michael Freeland in his remarks to the young people noted that the appointment of a youth ambassador was more than a title.
“We must remind ourselves that to be appointed a National Youth Ambassador or a CARICOM Youth Ambassador is more than a title; it is a covenant of service. Yes, a covenant, a contract, a mission of service. Also, as Youth Ambassadors, you are not merely the voice of youth; you are the eyes that see possibilities, the hands that embrace and build solutions, the ears that hear the issues and challenges on the ground, and the feet that will go where change is needed most. You stand as youth advisors to the Government and as bridges to the various parts of society, translating the aspirations of your peers into tangible results at the community, national, and regional levels,” he remarked.
Director of Youth Affairs, Dr. Drucilla Samuel urged the appointees to use their platforms to confront challenges and to breakdown stereotypes. “This group of young leaders from different socio-economic backgrounds has the unique opportunity and responsibility to magnify the challenges youth face and to defy deep-seated stereotypes that often diminish their potential,” she urged.
The appointment ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Urban Transformation and other officials.
