Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
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St Kitts-Nevis PM calls on young people to tap into the Empowerment Development Fund
09-20-2006

BASSETERRE, St Kitts: A critical path towards greater economic progress and social development now lies in the generation of greater economic activity within the private sector, said St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas as he delivered the 2006 Independence Message to the mark the 23rd anniversary of independence.

Pointing to the theme of this year's celebration, "Partnership, Discipline and Productivity for a Transformed Country,” Douglas called on the youth to tap into the Empowerment Fund of the Development Bank of St Kitts and Nevis.

Douglas pointed out that the theme is reflective of the current environment of socio-economic transition existing in St Kitts and Nevis.

“Importantly, it directs our attention to the need for heightened individual commitment to positive change and enhanced productivity, as well as the need for collective and dedicated effort by every segment of our society and economic interests,” he said, adding that the economic environment that exists today dictates that “our people must become more involved in the productive sector by pursuing opportunities in the micro and small business segments of our business community.”

He alluded to the fact that it was for this reason that the Empowerment Fund facilitated through the Development Bank of St Kitts and Nevis has been established and his St Kitts-Nevis Labour Government will proceed in the development of a service-oriented economy led by tourism, financial services and information communication technology (ICT), supported by diversified agriculture and light manufacturing.

“These are the emerging opportunities for citizens to be creative and to become entrepreneurs and masters of your destiny,” said Douglas, who said the commitment must also be supported by enhancing social discipline, a re-commitment to enhancing the value of community life, and of engendering greater focus among young people.

He stressed that community-based organisations must be an integral part of developing discipline and positive outlook among the young people of St Kitts and Nevis.

“While sports provide an important avenue to achieve this, it is also important to explore other critical areas of endeavour within our communities that will help to develop the Kittitian and Nevisian youth along a productive path of individual and community development. Church and family influences are also of critical importance,” said Dr. Douglas, who noted that both must provide consistent messages, and must work together to develop programs that are instructive, that give moral support and enhance life skills among the youth.