There seems to be a myth that governments are the only entity responsible for the development of youth and society. Although governments play a major role in the two aforementioned areas, responsibility does not lay solely on any separate entity as it should be a collaborative effort among government, community, and parents.

Government in Anguilla is somewhat different from the rest of the world as Anguilla is a British overseas territory in which certain areas are controlled by the British government and other sectors are controlled by duly elected representatives that constitute ministries. Anguilla’s newest representative of the British government is HE The Governor Mr. Andrew George. Although he is relatively new to Anguilla, and still learning about the intricacies of this small island, he was gracious enough to take part in an interview about youth development here on “The Rock.”

What is the role of the British Government or the Governor’s Office in terms of specific youth development in Anguilla? (i.e. financial support, administrative support, advisory capacity, any specific programs)
The UK Government is not directly involved with youth development in Anguilla on a regular basis, but may from time to time provide technical assistance for specific projects. For example, the UK Government has helped to fund visits by teachers from Anguilla to learn about educational developments in the UK. Other projects with which the UK Government is involved, for example in supporting small businesses, also benefit young people by increasing economic opportunities.

Recognizing that youth are indubitably the future of a country and the role of the British Government is to help Anguilla become developed, what are your views on what the UK could do, in any capacity, to provide a boost to youth development?
The UK Government is ready to consider funding from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Overseas Territories Programme Fund for projects which promote the development of Anguilla’s youth. Development of human capacity in the Overseas Territories is one of the primary objectives of the fund.

What are your views on current programs and facilities for youth (i.e. sports facilities, the library, schools, etc..)? Are there any particular programs you support or would like to see initiated that are specifically or even indirectly related to youth?

I have not yet had much opportunity to see the schools on Anguilla, as I arrived at the beginning of the main school holidays. However, I hope soon to have the chance to visit some of them. The project to develop a Community College, which is now getting under way, holds great promise for enabling young Anguillians to further their education without having to travel far from home. There are a number of sports programmes which can contribute significantly to youth development, for example, the tennis academy, the new football stadium, and the golf course.

As a government official, what importance do you give to youth development in terms of the growth of a country? How much emphasis should governments place on this issue?

Every country’s future depends on its young people. Governments need to do all they can to foster opportunities for young people to grow and fulfil their potential. But government cannot do everything. Everyone in society has a part to play in nurturing and developing the young – whether as parents, grandparents, teachers, medical staff, or simply neighbours.

Are there any other comments you would like to make on the issue?
Young people are a great source of energy and enthusiasm, which should be encouraged to find positive outlets. Every person is different. Those differences must be respected, and each person helped to develop in their own manner. Everyone has a contribution to make to society, and those contributions must be valued equally, whether they be academic, technical, artistic, sporting, or of any other constructive type.

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