GG: Consider youth perspectives in making decisions affecting their lives
Published:Friday | October 27, 2023 | 12:07 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
While murders in Jamaica dipped by 12 per cent up to last month when compared to the same period last year, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen wants the fall to be even greater.
Since the start of the year, 141 fewer people were killed when compared to the same period in 2022.
Speaking at the 12th edition of the Governor General’s Youth Consultative Conference (YCC), which was held at the AC Marriott Hotel in St Andrew, yesterday, Sir Patrick said it was imperative that the nation address these challenges head on, not only through law enforcement, but also by providing the country’s youths with alternate avenues for growth, education, and empowerment.
“Only in such an environment can we nurture a future where peace isn’t just an aspiration, but a lived reality for all Jamaicans,” the governor general said.
He went on to note that “discussion on what is wrong with Jamaica can be a challenging conversation”, but one that needs to be held on several levels.
“As a resilient and proud people, we sometimes struggle to acknowledge our own shortcomings. It is undeniable that a shadow of crime and violence looms over our nation, which deeply affects various sectors of our growth. This situation has profound implications for the future and well-being of our youths. However, I firmly believe that while we wrestle with these and other societal challenges, there are undeniable strengths and virtues within Jamaica that can guide our path forward,” Sir Patrick said.
He said it was out of a concern about what is wrong with Jamaica that the YCC was born, adding to his desire, on assuming the role of governor general in 2009, to empower young people.
“At that time, we had the Governor General’s Breakfast Forum. This forum laid the groundwork for the I Believe Initiative, which operates on the principle of using what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica,” he said.
Continuing, Sir Patrick stated that, over the years, the Breakfast Forum evolved into what is now the YCC. This YCC has consistently seen the participation of enthusiastic young people from every corner of the island.
“Over the years, the YCC has sustained a platform for important dialogue among our young people about their ideas and solutions for some of Jamaica’s most pressing social issues. I note this year’s intentional theme, ‘Creating a Culture of Peace among Jamaica’s Youth’. This theme offers a constructive perspective, emphasising the importance of building peace,” he said.
“Peace is a concept that manifests differently across various global contexts. In Jamaica, our struggles are twofold, we grapple with interpersonal conflicts that too often escalate into violence due to a lack of effective resolution methods. Additionally, there is a distressing rise in crime and violence tied to illicit activities.”
Solutions for crime and violence
The emphasis of this year’s YCC is to renew dedication to and propose solutions for crime and violence. The Governor General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) has joined hands with vital ministries and United Nations agencies to enrich the ongoing dialogue on this topic.
Sir Patrick said that, to ensure the voices of young people resonate and have an enduring impact, his team is implementing platforms and initiatives integrated into actionable plans for a brighter Jamaican future.
For this, he noted, “Youth perspectives must now be considered in the decision-making processes when it comes to interventions, policies and activities that are designed for them.”
During the Governor General’s YCC event, Sir Patrick extended his commendation to each youth delegate present.
He told them that, while they might be a select group, they should never forget that they stand as representatives of their peers from their schools and communities.
“Your presence here today is essential, and your voices deserve to be amplified. As you engage in discussions, I hope you will share your insights and discover new ways to make a meaningful impact in our country,” he said in his charge to the youths.
The team from the GGPE was responsible for planning this year’s conference.