Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines - October 23, 2023: The Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth (PMACY) was officially launched on Monday, October 23, 2023, marking a watershed moment in the Government's commitment to youth empowerment. The event, held at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, brought together Government officials, community leaders, and youth advocates to usher in a new era of young engagement and participation in decision-making.
The Council debuted with the theme "Balancing Experience with Youth." There were four key speakers: Chairman of the Council, Anson Latchman, Senator Shackell Bobb, Minister of Youth, Hon. Orando Brewster, and Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves.
The Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth seeks to improve youth development, advocate for youth, and improve the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines' decision-making process in general.
Anson Latchman, the chairman of the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth, stated in an interview with NBC News that the group uses a variety of cross-cutting projects, policies, and programs to try to accomplish its goals.
Latchman stated during the inaugural speech that the Council's primary goal is to promote youth development and advocacy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He said the Council has "the mandate to advise on policy matters, projects, programs, and advocating for youth involvement in the government's decision-making process."
The Council boasts a core committee that is made up of a highly qualified cadre of youths, and it will be well supported by sectoral chairpersons.
Dr. Orando Brewster, Minister of Youth, informed the audience that St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a long history of youth-focused organizations. "A lot of organizations have impacted the lives of many Vincentians here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines."
In his opening speech, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves outlined the diverse sectors represented on the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth, including: Professions, Labour, Media, Regional Integration and Foreign Policy, Agriculture, Sports, Culture, Health, Information Technology, Tourism and Hospitality, Church, Housing, Grenadines, Climate Change, Creative Industries, Business and Entrepreneurship, Diaspora, and Education. He emphasized the importance of each sector contributing to the overall mission of the Council, with individual groups providing advice while the core committee oversees coordination.
To act as a crucial link between the Government and the younger population, the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth offers advice, creative solutions, and insights into the issues that today's youth face. Through this program, the Government hopes to use youth energy, creativity, and talent to propel social progress and sustainable development.
In addition to interactive seminars and panel discussions, the launch event provided a platform for participants to share best practices and ideas. As the evening ended, guests were filled with excitement and optimism as they worked together to create a better future for the next generation. A new chapter of cooperation and partnership between the Government and the youth population is heralded by establishing the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth, which marks a critical turning point in the movement towards greater youth empowerment and inclusion.
In his final remarks, Latchman stated that the Council has already started working and that certain members have already had the chance to meet with UNICEF personnel. As the first event came to an end, the attendees left with a fresh sense of purpose and a resolve to promote good change both within and outside of their communities. The youth were at the forefront of the movement towards a more egalitarian and inclusive society.
