UNITED STATES (US) Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, has challenged Jamaicans to stem the local crime problem and the drug trade by creating more opportunities to empower the youth and include them as integral stakeholders in the country's development.
She stressed that the Government and organisations of influence should strive to ensure that no group of persons, especially the youth feels marginalised or excluded as this would have a negative impact on the country.
LACK OF INCLUSION
Mrs Jackson Lee, who has Jamaican roots, was speaking recently at the closing session of the 25th annual Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ) conference at the Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios. Currently, she represents the 18th Congressional District of Houston, Texas and sits on the judiciary, science, and homeland Security house committees.
In a riveting presentation entitled "Human Rights and Empowerment in the Workplace" - that received a standing ovation from over 200 delegates - the congresswoman criticised the lack of inclusion of youth in many societies and bemoaned the fact that enough is not being done to help them to realise their real potential.
"When we ignore a group of people and don't give them opportunities, there will be poverty ... there will be festering . This is what has happened in France, the Muslim youths were ignored ... " she cautioned.
She emphasised that civic organisations such as HRMAJ should draw on the influence of Rosa Parks and "find a way to sit in the way" to create opportunities and positive alternatives for youngsters, including education and training.
Pointing to the vulnerability of youth to involvement with crime, she proposed that instead of guns, Jamaicans put pencils, calculators, science and technology in the hands of the youth so that they may become productive citizens and professionals.
"If there are no idle hands to hold the guns then the guns will have nowhere to go, there will be no market for the guns ... " she stated.
POSITIVE AVENUE
Noting that sports was a positive avenue for youth empowerment, she mentioned initiatives in Houston to promote sports and encourage youths to become involved with all areas instead of just striving to become another "Michael Jordon". There are countless opportunities in marketing, management, designing, sports facilities and other areas, she noted.
In Jamaica's case, Mrs. Jackson Lee said Jamaican youths can capitalise on opportunities in Jamaica's growing film and music industry, but should be cognisant of possibilities "not only to become the next Bob Marley", but other avenues for contribution such as management and marketing. She also cited opportunities for tremendous growth in Jamaica's tourism industry.
