TCI: National Youth Week message from the Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services

#Providenciales, September 27, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – It is a great pleasure for me to address you today during this important occasion as we commemorate National Youth Week in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  This week is the time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of young people in our society.

As we observe Youth Week under the theme “Empowering the Youth, One Island at a Time, no child left Behind”, I wish to inform the youths of this nation that the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that their future is paved so that they will be able to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s development.

As Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, I have realized that Turks and Caicos young people are a national priority and as such the Department of Youth is committed to doing its part by developing comprehensive programmes and policies using a strategic approach aimed at addressing the critical needs of the youth of these islands.

The Ministry of Education recognize and embrace the crucial roles that we are expected to play in ensuring that the government’s commitment to the youth is fulfilled.   We will continue to invest in young people so that they will have access to education, training and decent jobs to achieve their full potential.   The Department of Youth stands ready to implement and execute its mandates which aim at preparation and empowerment of our youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Education is the most important asset that our youth should and must acquire; my government has invested in many new policies and initiatives to succeed in improving education and making it accessible.   Through education, each one of our youth is able to realize their own potential, contribute to our communities and to the broader society.

As we observe this day, I encourage youths to make full use of the resources provided to enhance their development and their respective communities whilst fostering peace and social cohesion.  Remember when God touches the heart of a young man or woman, they become capable of doing tremendous things.  The Mighty One has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49)

As Minister of Education, I celebrate with the youth to bring about change and I am strongly committed to listening to the voices of the young people and opening pathways for meaningful participation in decisions that affect them, hence the Listening Tours throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Ministry will continue to strengthen our relationships with academic and training institutions, at home and abroad, to ensure our youth are skilled and empowered.   Encouraging initiatives that will enable them to make meaningful contributions in their personal and community’s development throughout the islands.

Happy National Youth Week to all Youths throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands!  Celebrate!

Release: TCIG