Young people from across the island will soon have an opportunity to engage Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen in dialogue at three (3) Youth Consultative Conferences which have been planned for later this year. The Conferences, which will take place in the Counties of Middlesex, Cornwall and Surrey, October 6, 13 and 27 respectively, are being organised as part of The Governor-General’s I Believe Initiative (IBI), which was launched in May this year.
Sir Patrick, who made the announcement at the Eleventh Annual National Inter-School Brigade Summer Camp at the Jose Marti Technical High School recently (Tuesday July 19), said young people are a functioning and active part of the development of the nation and should be engaged in open fora where they can talk freely on issues that affect them. He said young people should, “become all you can become and use what you become to contribute to the building of Jamaica.”
The Governor-General commended officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the National Inter-School Brigade, for their commitment to youth. “When you give to young people you are assisting in the future of the nation,” The Governor-General said.
He emphasised the benefits to young people when they are involved in a youth or uniformed group, noting that the discipline instilled and the people skills that are ingrained, will enable them to be more focused, obedient and considerate. He urged participants to maintain the same level of discipline upon return to their respective communities despite their individual circumstances.
The two-week summer camp is being held under the theme “Above the rest! Youth for Law Enforcement.” The objectives include establishing a true sense of values and attitude among young people, and minimizing violence and anti-social behaviour in schools, homes and communities. Some five hundred participants from primary, junior high schools, high, and technical high schools in Kingston, Clarendon, St. Ann and St. Catherine are registered at the Camp.