More than 150 young people from Carriacou and Petit Martinique gathered at John’s Unique Resort in Carriacou to meet with Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Youth Development Senator Emmalin Pierre last Thursday (13th January, 2005). Present at the meeting was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs Mrs. Bernadette Sylvester, Youth Officer in Grenada responsible for the implementation of projects in Carriacou and Petit Martinique Natasha Sutherland and Youth Officers from the Youth Department in Carriacou. Senator Pierre called on the young people to work together with the Youth Department so that ways can be devised by which young people in Carriacou and Petit Martinique can benefit more from youth development activities. “The only way you can develop yourself is if you involve yourself at the community level. I really want to recognize the kind of support I’ve been receiving from Minister Nimrod and Permanent Secretary Sylvester; however I urge you young people to work with us to better this cause.” Senator Pierre also took the opportunity to commend Government on its decision to place more emphasis on youth development. “When a government decides to spend $3 million on youth development it only tells me that that government is conscious of its role in youth development and empowerment.” Senator Pierre also disclosed that Cabinet has approved the appointment of three additional youth officers for Carriacou and Petit Martinique who were introduced to the young people by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bernadette Sylvester. The Youth Officers are Shem Quamina, Camasha Thomas and Keshroy De Roche. Source: Department of Youth Development