Embrace youth

Barbadians are being reminded to embrace the youth, not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year.

Speaking during the lighting ceremony of the sixth annual Christmas in the Square that was held at Independence Square recently, Chair of the Christmas in the Square Committee, Cheryll Belle, expressed a hearty thank you to principals, teachers, students, parents, ancillary staff and friends that worked hard to put on this year’s event, and noted that while many complained about money, it could not compare to the smiles on the faces of locals and visitors alike.

She went on to note that it was important to embrace all young people, the good and the bad, and it was her hope that with positive projects like the Christmas in the Square, the youth would learn to develop positive values that were common to the Commonwealth.

Kaye Williams, Chairperson of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) Barbados Branch, stated that the RCS was an entity that is committed to promoting the values of the Commonwealth, and believed that those values were reflected in the RCS Barbados Commonwealth Christmas Tree, in the handcrafted decorations by the RCS Member and Artist, Ann Rudder.

“This lighting ceremony marks the end of what has been another busy year for the RCS Barbados. I take the opportunity to briefly mention the other work of the RCS done by our Council and strategic partners. During the year of 2019, we held our annual Multi-Faith Observance of Commonwealth Day. The observance involves students from across the island and focuses on core Commonwealth principles such as the importance of young people, and principles such as human rights, international peace and protecting the environment, among others,” she said.

“We recognise the role our youth must play within our society. It is through your help, support, donations and sponsorship, the hardworking members of the Council seek to give prominence to the voices of our youth in our programmes.

“Through these educational programmes, through Christmas in the Square, we hope to stimulate bright young minds, and we hope to inspire all of us to learn a bit more about the nations of the Commonwealth and the values we share in common.”