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Terrelonge bats for new CDF head ... Urges youth to participate in governance

Published:Sunday | May 20, 2018 | 12:00 AMBrian Walker/Staff Reporter
Terrelonge

Alando Terrelonge, state minister for culture, gender affairs, entertainment and sport, says the appointment of Kedesha Campbell by the prime minister to head the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Programme Management Unit is grounded in fostering youth empowerment.

Campbell is a project-management specialist, with more than 10 years' experience in the public sector, and prior to her appointment, she served as personal assistant to Andrew Holness. However, the Opposition has raised concern about her affiliation and the possible implications for CDF operations.

"There was a bit of controversy, but it's about empowering young people, and you nah go hear another young person a fight against the appointment of another young person because at the end of the day, the future is yours," asserted Terrelonge.

He added, "The prime minister has said, 'I want this young person to replace Miss (Moveta) Munroe who gave great service for many years.' It's about continuity, and continuity rests with every single one of you."

Terrelonge was addressing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Roadshow on Friday, where he urged students to develop a keener interest in politics.

Senator Damion Crawford also lamented what he described as a growing disinterest in governance among millennials.

He told The Gleaner, "Well, it seems to me from observation that millennials are attracted to individuals more than a process, so you saw that with (President Barack) Obama in America. If an individual is carrying a message that is exciting, it seems like they would participate more in following the message. That's why it is unfortunate, because if they don't get that type of person, then they don't participate."

He rebuffed the suggestion that the politicisation of social issues has been a deterrent to youth engagement.

brian.walker@gleanerjm.com