Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Youth Development Senator Emmalin Pierre says training is a critical item on the Department’s agenda for youth workers for 2005. At a meeting with Senator Nigel Stewart and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs Mrs. Bernadette Sylvester on Thursday 13th January, 2005, Senator Pierre said priorities of the Department are the execution of a proper training programme for workers at the Youth Departments in Grenada and Carriacou and accreditation of such training by the Commonwealth Youth Programme so that workers will be recognized at the regional level. Senator Pierre hopes that this will be just one move to further enhance relations between the two Departments, as closer collaboration between the two will aid in establishing a better relationship with young people and the Youth Department. “All that has happened in Grenada, as in laying the foundation, will be done in Carriacou and Petit Martinique so that we can come on par with youth development activities in the State,” Senator Pierre said. In this light, a youth worker from the Youth Department in Grenada, Natasha Sutherland, has been given the responsibility of coordinating and implementing projects for young people in Carriacou and Petit Martinique to ensure that the line of communication between the two Ministries will be clearer. Senator Pierre also held a separate meeting with newly appointed youth workers in Carriacou and Petit Martinique, urging them to use the opportunities available to strengthen and enhance the Department so that youth development can be given the attention it needs. “Let’s maximize our limited resources…It is better that we merge our resources, work together and achieve our goals. I want us to all feel as if we are in this together.” Senator Pierre also took the opportunity to outline the programmes and activities of the Youth Department for 2005 as well as the roles and responsibilities of all staff members.