by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—During the recent Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Federation drew focus on the significance of Americas Children and Youth Day and its continued commitment to the welfare of its younger population.
At the forum, Augustine Skerritt, Minister Counsellor and Alternate Representative to H.E. Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OAS, outlined the nation’s ambitious initiatives supporting the development of children and youth.
“Our delegation is pleased to join in commemorating the Americas Children and Youth Day, a timely reminder that safeguarding the rights and well-being of our young people is a shared duty across our hemisphere. Our Federation remains committed to building an inclusive, empowering environment for our children and youth. Through our Sustainable Ireland State Agenda, we prioritise equitable access to quality education at all levels,” said Skerritt.
He highlighted the concrete steps taken by the Ministry of Education, noting early childhood programmes such as training parents and educators on autism awareness, as well as universal access to 17 government-run early childhood centres.
“This underscores our belief in providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” he added.
Recognising the importance of youth engagement in governance, Skerritt mentioned that the government hosts forums and programmes that enable young people to engage directly with policymakers.
“The National Youth Policy guides the government’s work in youth empowerment, complemented by programmes like the 25 Most Remarkable Teens, which annually celebrates outstanding young leaders as well as the support for the St. Kitts-Nevis Youth Parliament Association,” he explained.
Notably, in 2023, Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance Drew inaugurated an annual dinner with the 25 Most Remarkable Teens, forging a unique communication channel between these youth leaders and the nation’s highest office.
Beyond recognition, Skerritt emphasised programmes targeting economic empowerment.
“The Aspire Programme provides every citizen aged 5 to 18 with investment opportunities and financial literacy training, fostering economic empowerment from an early age.”
To further equip young people with practical life skills, St. Kitts and Nevis advances technical and vocational education, alongside entrepreneurship and mentorship initiatives.
These include targeted support for teen mothers and mentorship programmes for boys, all designed to cultivate personal growth, resilience, and positive life outcomes across the Federation.
Concluding his intervention, Skerritt reaffirmed the nation’s dedication.
“Honourable colleagues, on this America’s Children and Youth Day, St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirms its commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for every child and young person. We look forward to the continued collaboration with the Organisation of American States to secure a brighter, more equitable future for all.” – Augustine Skerritt, Minister Counsellor.
