Today’s the end of the work week but it’s the start of youth week. An official ceremony opening the awareness week was held this afternoon on Youth for the Future Drive. In the days ahead there will be youth rallies, debates, and even a Mr. and Miss Youth Week. But the week will be far from a celebration. President of Youth for the Future’s youth group Tricia Gabourel says the week’s activities will center around some serious issues.
Tricia Gabourel, President – YFF’s Youth Group
“Crime and violence, HIV and Aids, unemployment, and everything that affects youths that is going to be discussed and brought up in the forum as well.”
Keith Swift,
Do you think enough is being done to address these issues?
Tricia Gabourel,
“There are enough stuff happening that are addressing these issues but we need to do it more. We need to bring it more. I guess it is not enough then so we need to express these things more and that’s why we are having this youth week to be one of the avenues for discussing these issues.”
Fred Meighan, Youth Ambassador
“The importance for me of youth week is to bring together young people as a group so that they can be pushed or motivated by their own doings or the assistance of the older people or body so that we may go forward building our future.”
The week was officially opened by Minister of Youth Rodwell Ferguson. We asked him what he thinks is the biggest issue facing Belizean youths and asked if he thinks his government is doing enough. He says the biggest issue is employment.
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth
“We need to get our young people productive. While they might say
there are not jobs in Belize but many of them want to find jobs that are very high paying but they may not be qualified for the job and they say they will stay on the street and hustle because they can make a fast money within an hour or two and that is not the right way.”
Keith Swift,
You think your government is doing enough to help the youths of Belize?
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson,
“People always look at government and say government is the problem and it’s the government’s responsibility. But I believe it is government’s responsibility, the parent, and the private sector – and I believe if all three parties become involved – we can definitely combat the situation in Belize.”
Keith Swift,
The question I asked you is if your government is doing enough?
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson,
“I believe my government is doing enough with the limited resources.”
Keith Swift,
Has your government done enough in the past?
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson,
“Given that we established Youth for the Future, its an initial step and I can see my government has made its commitment and will continue to do so.”
Youth week runs through to next week Friday.
