By Steve Thomas Observer Nevis Editor
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) – The Organization of American States has been recognized for its work in developing the National Skills Training Programme in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. On Jan. 1, 2007, the National Skills Training Programme replaced the Non-formal Youth Skills Training Programme which was inaugurated in St. Kitts in 1986. At a recent NSTP graduation ceremony at Basseterre High School, OAS representative Starret Greene was recognized by the program’s director, Fitzroy Wilkin, for the group’s support since its establishment. According to Mr. Greene, the goal of the NSTP is to give young people the skills they need to become productive workers and managers in the Federation’s economy. “We think this is the way to go,” he said. “We believe if we can provide the requisite skills for young people, we are sowing the seeds of the next generation of captains of industry. . . If we can have of pool of talented and skilled young people, in every aspect of our development, we are laying the foundation for the future of the Federation.” On its inception, the NSTP was jointly sponsored by USAID, the OAS and the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. It was designed to assist members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in addressing the problems of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people. “Older people say “The devil will find work for idle hands,”” Mr. Greene said. “When we see the result of idle hands, we are afraid. If we get young people moving the right direction, it will go well for our country.” “In addition, the project provided a flexible non-formal skills training mechanism that responded quickly to the immediate and changing skill requirements of the local labour market. “”Now that youth skills has evolved into a National Training Program, there is every indication that more young people will be trained for self employment as well as to fill opportunities created by local and foreign entrepreneurs,” Mr. Greene said. “The OAS will continue to work in partnership with the NSTP to help meet its training needs and requirements.”
