By Vanessa Braithwaite

APPROXIMATELY 40 Linden youths were on Saturday involved in a youth empowerment forum held under the theme ‘Caring for others’.This forum saw presentations from prominent personalities in Linden, and government ministers, including Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Patterson; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; Regional Chairman Renis Morian; Attorney-at-law Darren Wade; youth political activist Ryan Belgrave, and Linden businessman Selwyn George.

Each presenter had the opportunity to speak on topics related to the development and upward mobility of youths.

The programme was skilfully chaired by mayoral hopeful for the APNU-AFC group, Carwyn Holland, who supported each presenter while citing ways in which such advice had benefited him.

First to present was Attorney-at-law Wade, whose platform was youth and education. He underscored education as the most viable way of achieving social mobility.

RETOOLING
Wade encouraged the youths to pursue tertiary education, as it makes one more marketable in a diversified society. Alluding to the change in economic activity in Linden, as bauxite mining can no longer sustain the town, he said that education allows one to retool or redirect whenever these drastic changes occur.

He, however, cautioned that in pursuing tertiary education, one must pursue a field within one’s liking and capabilities.

“You cannot want to be an Olympic swimmer and can’t swim, or to be a doctor and you are not good at sciences; so you must look for something that you like, and it calls for dedication,” he posited.

He also referred to opportunity cost.

George, a successful entrepreneur, spoke of the benefits of entrepreneurship. He encouraged the youths to consider such a path, but revealed that in becoming an entrepreneur, one must also prepare for failure.
“Failure is not failure; failure can be a great lesson for something greater, but you certainly have to prepare for failure,” he explained.

George said that to become a billionaire, all that is needed is an idea which can materialise. He articulated that entrepreneurship is not always about money, but it can be looked at broadly, since jobs can be created within the community.

“By creating a better way for someone, and by creating jobs, you are fulfilling to society your obligation to make the world a better place,” he advised.

Echoing similar sentiments in regard to entrepreneurship was Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who gave his presentation on ‘youths and the region’.
He told the youths that they should consider entrepreneurship, as not everyone is academically inclined, and many successful businessmen and women do not have “One grain subject at CXC.”

BEING INFORMED
He said that being educated is not only about being qualified, but also about being informed. He added that the challenge in the region is that many young people are ill-informed.

“You are the persons that are going to replace us, so you have to be informed about what is going on; and that is the challenge facing our young people,” he articulated.

The Regional Chairman revealed that he is currently embarking on a $48M programme to have young people in the region benefit from programmes that will allow them to garner skills to function effectively in the world of work.

“You notice in the newspapers, yes we have jobs, but you have to get experience; so we found a solution, so we want to place 200 young persons at institutions around Linden to help with their education, and we will give them a stipend,” he posited.

Speaking on youth and politics was MP Figueira, who encouraged the youths to take seriously their democratic right to vote, especially in the upcoming Local Government Elections, as it is a very important aspect of politics.
He said that voting exemplifies the democratic process, and is the best example of equality.

“Every man is entitled to one vote, making him equal to the rich man; making him equal to the rich woman; and when politics is involved, we are all placed on the same platform of equality,” the young MP posited.

Making an impressive presentation on youth development was Minister Patterson, who encouraged the youths to associate themselves with those who would foster positive development.

She also urged them to adopt the five C’s of development: competence, confidence, compassion, connection and character.

The minister reiterated the Government’s mandate to partner with youths for their empowerment and development in education, sports and other avenues. She disclosed that there are several strategic plans that will see the involvement of youths on several platforms.

Organiser of the forum, Devon John of the Linden Enterprise Network, said there will be follow-up sessions as a means of encouraging development and empowerment among the youths.