On September 27-28 at the House of Chandeliers, Anguilla will see its very first National Conference on Youth and Development. The slogan for this important event is “Promoting Youth Involvement in Governance – The Future is Now.” This youth conference is being conducting by the Department of Youth and Culture under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Development and is being spear-headed by its Director, Mr. Lenox J. Proctor.

L-R: Sherri-Anne Roberts, Mr. Rodney Rey, Mr. Lenox Proctor and Eduardo Samuels

In a press conference held at the Ministry of Social Development on Tuesday, September 11, both Mr. Rodney Rey, Permanent Secretary of the MSD and Lenox Proctor spoke in greater detail about the conference. Also, in attendance were Sherri-Anne Roberts and Eduardo Samuels, two prominent youth leaders in Anguilla. This conference falls under a week filled with activities leading up to Caribbean Youth Day on September 30.

Ms. Sherri-Anne Roberts, President of the National Youth Council, spoke of the various activities that would occur throughout the week of September 24-30. She mentioned that there would be an AIDS training workshop, a fun day, a session called “Youth of Tomorrow…Today” which will provide young people an opportunity to work with a top executive in the private sector, and an end of week church service on the 30th. This National Youth Conference also forms part of the week’s activities.

CALL FOR PAPERS

Mr. Proctor wanted to express how important it is that youth get involved now in the decision making process and governance of Anguilla.

There are many areas of concern that have been identified and therefore there is a call for papers on any topic that properly examines issues that are of importance nationally.

Papers must be between 1500-2000 words and examine one issue. Some of the previously identified issues are: Land Use and Access, Labour and Employment, Lifestyle Diseases, Social Security, Child Protection, Crime and Violence, Care of the Elderly, Immigration, and Human Resource Development.

There are many other topics as well that can be submitted. The paper should provide a background to the issue, analyse its impact and the role of the various stake-holders in finding a solution. In order to submit a paper, one must be between the ages of 13-30.

All papers must be original works and each applicant must submit a 250 word summary on or before September 20 to the Department of Youth and Culture at youthandculture@gov.aior fax to 497-7999, or hand delivered to Suite 1, Caribbean Commercial Centre.

Mr. Rey expressed his gratitude and full support to Mr. Proctor for the work he has done and will continue to do. He confirmed the fact that the Ministry is lending him all the support he needs to carry out his duties effectively.

Mr. Proctor stressed the idea of engaging young people by providing the conference as a way for them to actively participate in interactive discussions with policy makers. He hopes that this active participation will create a positive atmosphere for Anguilla to move forward in light of recent issues with youth violence.

There is no registration fee to attend and all youth are invited to participate.

Registration forms may be obtained by calling 498-3792 or e-mailing youthandculture@gov.ai.

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