Beckford

Jamaica's Youth Advisor to the United Nations, Tamian Beckford has chided the Jamaican leadership for not allowing young people latitude to develop their contributions to nation building.

According to Mr. Beckford, who is also the president of the National Secondary Students Council, the views and recommendations put forward by young people are not given the requisite attention or action.

"Every day in different sectors, we hear about youth development. We hear, but many times words are the only commitment and the action to assist this development never follows," he said. "Young people are not witnessing or even experiencing this development."

Mr. Beckford, who was speaking at the eighth staging of the Prime Minister's Youth Awards for Excellence and the Jamaican Youth in Concert on Sunday at Emancipation Park, New Kingston, was critical of leaders who stifle the input of youth in policy decisions.

"It has become quite ominous for young people when they are supposedly given the opportunity to govern as youth, but yet have many of their leadership discussions taken or made for us," Mr. Beckford said.

He however encouraged the nation's youths to stand up and speak out against what he describes as tokenism and reciprocity in governance. He added that it was imperative that young Jamaicans work assiduously to ensure the youth of tomorrow do not face cultural, economic, political or social barriers as they attempt to shape their future.

The UN advisor however issued an appeal to young Jamaicans to take advantage of the opportunities, to serve the country and shape policies, which will "foster speedy and serious" youth development.

Responsibility

According to Mr. Beckford, young people also have a responsibility to participate in positive recreational activities, which help to shape national development. He implored the youth population to desist from criminal activities and sexual promiscuity which lead to unwanted pregnancies and exposure to diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

His presentation dubbed, 'Charge to the Youth' is the newest feature of the annual Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence and Youth in Concert which culminates youth month activities observed in November.

Some 15 youth between the ages of 15 and 24 were awarded for excelling in the fields of journalism, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, agriculture, sport, leadership, academics, and community service.