On December 24, Kenson Joel Casimir, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, sent greetings to the people of Saint Lucia and delivered a Christmas message.
While addressing the island’s populace, he said, “fellow Saint Lucian young people here and in the diaspora, I bring you peaceful greetings filled with holiday chairs and blessings.
Speaking about the COVID-19 pandemic, Casimir highlighted that, during this year, the island slowly emerged from the global pandemic, which crippled the way of living and adversely impacted everyone’s livelihoods.
He reported that according to research, young individuals were most disproportionately affected by this pandemic.
Casimir stressed that after the removal of COVID-19 restrictions, shockingly, the country witnessed a surge of crime that continued to erode and Decay the social fibre despite the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports remaining steadfast and continuing to work tirelessly for the Youth and our Sports people to become and stay meaningfully engaged.
He reported that the Government had upgraded some playing facilities around the island. These include renovation works at the Supreme in the stadium, lighting and another structural repair to the VG Sports.
Complex the sampling field, the good lands court Polaris was playing field in Denver and the current plane field these facilities will meet the required standards based on their ranking as endorsed in the newly minted Facilities Management policy which the Government passed earlier this year.
Casimir claims that Government has given opportunities for young people to expand positive energy, and he was delighted to see scores of children at the various recreational and sporting.
He remarked that next year the Saint Lucian government is set to embark on volleyball track and field, which will hopefully culminate in a rebranded weekend called Island champs.
Casimir commented that his administration had recorded students’ increased desire for the sport of boxing. He reported that the boxing gym at VG is filled with students who have shown a tremendous interest in
the sport. In addition, at least 40 students in the South are committed to
training in boxing.
“We’ve also received support from the Cuban Government, which continues to be a reliable partner in our Sports and development trust. I am pleased to announce that the Ministry, with the support of cabinets of ministers, has initiated an alternative sports program,” says Casimir.
He added, “We aim to provide young people with access to opportunities to enable them to contribute positively to National development”.
Casimir underlined that unemployment is a great concern for young people. To address this issue, the Ministry has tested a web and mobile app called skill 758, which will be launched soon. This app will be used as a database for skills and an employee directory connecting skilled young people to job opportunities.
In addition, the Ministry also adopted the declaration of the Commonwealth heads of Government in 2023 is indeed the year of the Youth. The emphasis for this declaration will be peace, Safety and Security.
“I am eagerly optimistic that our young people will be sufficiently motivated to be catalysts for peace in their families, communities and this Society. I look forward to your participation and involvement in the events and activities which will Mark 2023 as the year of the Youth to my constituents”.
Casimir stated that the Ministry will continue to support persons affected by the November 6th trough in communities such as asukanal Corinth, Moshi Grizzly town and others; the rivermita bridge is under construction, and video work has been instituted along the diromo road.
As the Saint Lucian community, Sportsinitiative continues the
completion of the grocery decup, the community foot sack up, and the Government look forward to the 2023 Grizzly Community netball Championship.
“I pledge my continued support and will Advocate at all levels for more resources so that the families and businesses can return
to normal”, says Casimir.
He says special thank you to the partners of the sports associations and federations, the principals, staff, Youth and Sports councils constituency Council, the National Youth Council, the National Lotteries Authority and other corporate sponsors that have assisted in insurance providing resources to continue the programs.
He says special thank you to the partners of the sports associations and federations, the principals, the staff, the Youth and Sports Council constituency Council, the National Youth Council, the National Lotteries Authority and other corporate sponsors that have assisted in insurance that provided resources to continue the programs.
Casimir also appreciated their followers on social media, and he commented that their compliments and comments are well received and help the administration to improve the programs.
At last, Casimir sent Christmas wishes to every island’s citizens and hoped that their Christmas to filled with happiness and a memorable one.