By Lesroy W. Williams

Observer Reporter

(Basseterre, St. Kitts) -Young people from 25 youth organizations and all schools in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis came out in a kaleidoscope of color, a spirit of revelry and merriment and an attitude of pride to pay tribute to their nation’s celebration of its 25th anniversary of Independence on September 10 at Warner Park.

Director of Youth in the Ministry of Education, Geoffrey Hanley, gave high praise to the young people for their excellent participation and said that the rally went exceptionally well.

The Hon. Sam Condor, Minister of Education, who addressed the young people, told them the Federation is a young nation in which education plays a great role.

“We are a young nation! More importantly, we are a nation of young people. We verily believe that the knowledge and creative energy of our youth, once released, and unleashed, will drive St. Kitts and Nevis, into a new growth-path. I assure you, the best is yet to come, for each of you and for our Nation,” Mr. Condor said.

“I appeal to our youth to come together, to unite! To minimize those things that cause our youth to wage war and to destroy each other. We need now, to be steadfast in our resolve to march forward, into the challenging, but exciting and hopeful future together,” he added.

In referring to the youths as the “millennium generation”, Mr. Condor urged them to work earnestly and tirelessly for sustained economic growth and development that can banish poverty and deprivation from our midst.

“You have the opportunity to prepare yourselves with knowledge, creativity, skills, spiritual and behavioral understanding, for success. You are the magic wand you seek! You are the renewed energy we need!” Mr. Condor said.

In using his life story, Mr. Condor told the young people that he was a deprived youth from the heart of the ghetto and a proud national who rose above the dismal shame of poverty to be an accomplished man today.

Mr. Condor told the young that if he could defy the odds that they can do it, too. He encouraged them to persevere and always to be grateful to their country.

“Youth of our nation, you are the hope of our nation! By all means pursue your dreams, explore all options, but resolve to be part of a concerted effort to give new energy and hope to your people and your nation! Resolve to one day to take up leadership positions in your communities and your country at large,” Mr. Condor said.