May 21st 2011
“Youth Cries” by T. Shepherd

While undertaking my customary morning chores, I sat in my backyard, listening to a group of unemployed young boys speak about the issues of unemployment in St.Lucia as they walk down the street at dawn. One of the boys continuously emphasized that
“That C.X.C thing, it is keeping us back”
He made clear that he does not have a problem with C.X.C. however; there are not many other available subsitues at his level he can take advantage of, and make full use of his potential. This little talk I was secretly exposed to by these juveniles was very discouraging and almost brought tears to my eyes.
I reside in the small, peaceful and beautiful community of Canaries from birth with my father and mother and two other siblings. I previously attended the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary school, and presently, I am an infant school teacher in the community and also attend Monroe College, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, all at the age of 17. I have been engaged in numerous youth activities in my community, from the church youth group to the formation of ProjectCan which is presently at its forming stage. Many young individuals from the community show keen interest in these activities, however, they bring forth many disputes within the group regarding personal issues and other related problems, which I believe is normal, since this is one of the functions of a youth group; to guide these young individuals. I am very passionate about youth work and do whatever is in my power to assist young people to excel at community level, and if time and opportunities permit, at a national level.
I take time to write this article since I really want to draw a picture of what young people are going through after continuously observing and listening to these individuals’ tribulations. Many times I am forced to answer the question: “Are young people becoming dangerous in today’s society” And my exact response is yes! It is quite evident and disturbing statistics also prove that the high level of crime is committed by individuals at the age of 16-24 years in St.Lucia. Why is that so? I was engaged in a conversation with a close friend who is from the ghetto, he made lucid that he is where he is since he did not do well at examination level and there was not enough financial support to continue with life endeavors. I sat near him and gave him a feel of my situation and explained to him that life does not end there, and he should never give up.
This present epoch, St.Lucia is plagued with many criminal activities, however, strict penalties may sometimes prove successful in correcting these issues, but, in my perspective, harsh penalties do not fully address the universal social and health problems underlying juvenile criminals. Poverty and neglect are the strongest predictors of juvenile crime and adequate emphasis should be placed to address these punitive responses to crime.

It should be clear by now that the youth is our future and appropriate actions should be taken to nature these individuals to secure a positive future. In doing so, there should be more opportunities which aids in enriching youths’ potential such as talents and other skills which can lead them to a successful life. A red light should not be visible after these opportunities are there, motivation and inspiration should be given to these individuals to encourage and educate them about the downfalls they may encounter in life. It is obligatory to first understand these people and define the nature of their problems and how others perceive them, which sometimes may be wrong. If it takes to visit the ghetto and spend ample time there to bring forth help and show these juveniles how to cherish life and explain what can bring a brighter future or even implement a skills center in the middle of the ghetto where crime is at its pick to engage this young individual, then appropriate agencies and departments should employ numerous strategies to get these young people back on track. There is no gain to be on the streets- no prize at all. This little prize lies within these youthful individuals! When they want to accomplish something they need to be ambitious. To want to be triumphant is not sufficient. This is just a wish. To know what they want, to appreciate why they are doing it, to bestow every breath in their body to accomplish that goal, they will be successful! If they feel they have something to give, If they feel that their meticulous talent is significant and they can work towards it, then don’t give up! They can achieve.
Churches should also play a role in winning youth’s life. I once attended a powerful and lively church service conducted by the Catholic Church in my community which was administered by a priest from another parish. I was surprised to see the large crowed of young individuals who were present at the event even youthful people from the ghetto. It is quite obvious that churches should hold events similar in nature which cater for these individuals’ needs to get them involved in the church. If it takes to hold lively activities, then it should be, since it is what brings these individuals back into the church.
Greg Henry once said, “No matter how small, acknowledge the achievement.” Enough emphasis is not placed on youths’ achievement in St.Lucia. St.Lucia should adapt to numerous award ceremonies to acknowledge young people achievements from successful sports men and women to our local musicians, artists, art work (hard crafts), which will provide these youthful individuals the motivation and the zeal to continue working and in turn inspire other individuals to jump on board to be as successful.
Youth ambassadors should be placed in each community where they overlook youth work and attain feedback from these individuals need, where they will report such to ministry and other officials which can then provide assistance.

Young people are under our care, let’s not neglect them, but encourage them and provide a positive level of guidance for their success and development. St.Lucia is recognized as the “Land of beautify” however one day, a title should reign where we are distinguished as the “Land of peace”. All of us, let’s do what we have to do to make St.Lucia a better place for our youth, and other citizens and visitors there. We can do it, We Can!

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