A grand parade was held on Sunday along Brickdam, Georgetown to signal the commencement of National Youth Week, which will be celebrated under the theme “Empowering young people to foster national and community development through innovation”.
Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton and Telecommunications Minister Cathy Huges interact with a student at the Youth rally
Hundreds of young people marched from Parliament Building to D’Urban Park where a rally was held in commemoration of National Youth Week. Those in attendance were entertained by their peers who performed several dance routines, skits, and songs.
The week of activities was kicked off by Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael on Friday last.
The week of activities will offer Guyanese the opportunity to reflect on the critical role that youths play, and youths themselves will be able to express their concerns in relation to their welfare.
According to Carmichael, events planned for the week include a Youth Forum, a Career and Training Fair, a Youth Business Summit, an Arts Expression and a Youth Exhibition.
However, addressing the gathering at D’Urban Park, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton encouraged youths to use this time in their lives wisely.
“It is important for young people to use their time wisely. Youth is not the age to be idle, it is not the age to waste time. This is the time when you should forge ahead and invest in yourselves especially when it comes to your education,” Dr Norton encouraged.
The Minister explained that the achievement of Guyana’s youths boosted the entire nation.
Dr Norton further stated: “We have many examples of this in our nation; we have young people making strides in every facet of our society and we ought to celebrate them.”
He recognised several young people who have been doing exceptionally well. These include Amber Low, Guyana’s youngest female commercial pilot; Temika Henry, Guyana’s youngest forensic analyst; Randy Madray who has been blazing the trail in fashion designing and Anaya Lee Wilabus, Guyana’s youngest female publisher.
The Social Cohesion Minister encouraged the youths in attendance to ‘strive big’, assuring them “you have the capacity, we will shatter records in the coming future”. (Kizzy Coleman)
