I attended a press conference on Tuesday, September 11 at the Ministry of Social Development in which an official launch was announced concerning a National Youth Conference. In this week’s edition of The Anguillian, you can read in greater detail about this conference and although I wrote that article as well, I felt it justified that this column should also focus on this paramount event.

First and foremost, I must begin by congratulating Mr. Lenox Proctor, Director of the Department of Youth and Culture. Mr. Proctor is a very humble young man and does not like to receive attention nor recognition, but he is deserving of it. His main concern is the betterment of Anguilla, and of course, one of the best ways to make a positive impact is to work with youth as they will obviously be the future.

Often times, although it is quite ridiculous, youth are not taken seriously. My initial impression of this youth conference is that it looks amazingly intelligent and professional. As a graduate student for five years, conferences in which presenters speak, and papers are read, are without a doubt one of the most academic and professional ways to contribute to any field or issue. By providing an opportunity for youth to be involved in a professional conference is not only a way to provide them an outlet in which they can express their concerns, but it is good training for them in their academic lives if they choose to further their education at an institute of higher learning. The notion that youth have nothing to contribute is quite absurd. Young people have minds like sponges in which they not only retain more information, but they are currently in school and learning on a daily basis about issues in the past and current issues while at the same time relating both past and present. They certainly have a keen understanding of our world today on many levels in which adults do not such as pop culture and technology.

Moreover, youth in general tend to be more passionate and idealistic and that is exactly what the world and Anguilla needs – some positive idealism. I am excited about this conference and looking forward to attending. I strongly encourage all youth to submit papers and attend. As a matter of fact, if a young person wants to submit a paper, I will offer my help in terms of the writing process. You may contact me at jallen@caribcable.com. Once again, congratulations to the Department of Youth and Culture and its director. Keep up the good work!

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