Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the ‘I Believe’ Youth Initiative, now in its second year, has received positive comments from participants, and tremendous support from resource persons.
“One of the welcome results is the decision of several of the presenters and facilitators to become ‘I Believe’ Ambassadors. This means that they have declared their commitment to mentoring youth, especially budding entrepreneurs, and they will help to diffuse the positive messages,” he said.
The Governor-General was addressing a Youth Consultative County Conference for Cornwall, held on November 8, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James.
Encouraging the young people to play their part in the building of a “strong productive country,” he noted that across the globe there are serious economic challenges, but positives exist in Jamaica, where the challenges can be overcome.
The Governor-General told them that they have the power to make meaningful changes in their lives, and to consolidate gains already made in the society.
“I believe in the potential of Jamaicans to perform at the highest level and to move our country towards developed nation status. We have what it takes to make Vision 2030 a reality. You, the youth, have the ability to power the change which will take Jamaica through the next 50 years of the nation building process and beyond,” he said.
Vision 2030 Jamaica is the country’s first long-term national development plan, which aims at enabling Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030. It is based on a comprehensive vision: “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”
The ‘I Believe’ initiative has as its mission, through strategic partnerships, programmes and the support of Jamaicans, to lead a campaign to inspire and motivate Jamaicans to believe in their innate potential and to contribute to building a prosperous and peaceful nation.
The Governor-General told the gathering that there are many initiatives in the private and public sectors and in civil society, aimed at youth empowerment, so “there can be no redundancy in the actions to support youth as they strive to carve out a future for themselves and this country.”
“It is important that they understand and believe in their potential for success; that they explore ways of using their God-given talents to achieve personal development; and that they become aware of their role in the advancement of their families, their communities and their country,” he added.
The Governor-General said it is also important that the youth learn from, and be motivated by young successful entrepreneurs. “This is why I am so pleased that several young entrepreneurs have signed on to become ‘I Believe’ Ambassadors,” he noted.
“Young Jamaicans, our country’s future is in your hands. Do not be satisfied with mediocre achievements. Aim for the stars, remember the sky is the limit,” the Governor-General urged.