Independence, youth and national development

From all reports, it appears that the activity-packed programme of events to celebrate our country’s 44th anniversary of the reclamation of our national independence was a success. Congratulations are in order for all those who From all reports, it appears that the activity-packed programme of events to celebrate our country’s 44th anniversary of the reclamation of our national independence was a success. Congratulations are in order for all those who worked so hard to achieve this, both the officials and those in charge, but particularly the unsung who typically contribute so much to the success of such an undertaking almost unnoticed.

The success is also a testimony to the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Gonsalves over the years. None of his predecessors seemed to have attached the degree of conviction in making our Independence more meaningful and in utilizing the opportunities it presents for our national development. It is a pity though that we remain one of the few Caribbean countries whose people rebelled against colonial rule and the privilege of the plantocracy in the 1930s to still be hesitant to make the connection between our political and constitutional development which culminated in Independence and the events of October 1935.

It was heartening to note the revival of the Best Village contest won by the Belair community. Congratulations to that community and it should not only inspire other villages and communities to get on board as they do for Nine Mornings, but should impress on the organizers to put even greater efforts in that direction. After all, Independence must be about the people and while the high-profile activities will continue, so must those at community level.

A notable feature of this year’s activities was the emphasis on youth. As has now become customary, the opportunity was taken to laud those of our young people who had exceptional academic achievements in examinations. It again emphasizes what is possible when we not only aspire, but make the effort and sacrifice to achieve. Whatever the achievements there will always be shortcomings and weaknesses which must be addressed, but it beats me how in the face of reality, there are those who insist on denying our educational accomplishments.

I have my own concerns about content and focus, but for people to try to denigrate accomplishments under the guise of not enough jobs for graduates, demonstrates backward thinking. We live in a global world. There are students from remote communities in Africa and Asia for instance who are studying nuclear physics and the like. Should they be discouraged because they may not find a job on graduation in their own countries? And, we must constantly be reminded, jobs are not just those created by other people, but emphasis must be on job creation as well, developing the entrepreneurial spirit and capabilities.

One of my concerns relates to the gap between these academic achievements and emphasis and what the Prime Minister is always talking about, the concept of “social solidarity”. It is all well and good to be turning out an impressive array of well-educated and “bright” young people, but alongside it must be a sense of social consciousness, an understanding of our history, a commitment not just for self-aggrandizement and personal achievement, but to improve the lot of all. It is all well and good to aim at building skyscrapers, but it is even more important to insist on building character.

Continuing on this youth theme, a major activity during the Independence week was the launch of a Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth. The names of the people appointed to sit on this body were announced and the leaders introduced and lauded by the Prime Minister himself. I am in no position to comment on the suitability of those so appointed, but that is not the cause of my concern.

To my shock and horror, and I believe that I am not alone in this, I did not hear any mention of the National Youth Council (NYC) or how we can draw of the rich experiences of that now dormant body, or indeed that of the various Student Councils which played a crucial role in youth development and participation in national and community affairs. Is that independent organization of youth to be ignored and replaced by appointed representatives?

For a number of reasons, civil society as an organized body is not as integral to the process of national development as it was in the past. That is a subject for a full discussion of its own, but I have noted from time to time that both political parties have been committing themselves to rebuilding youth and community bodies, rather than to support the independent efforts at rebuilding youth and community organizations.

It is a pity that our society has become so politically polarized that independent organization seems to be a thing of the past. The Advisory Council on Youth may well have an important role to play but it can never be a substitute for the independent organization of young people as in the previous National Youth Council (NYC). I do not know to what extent the appointed leaders are acquainted with the history of the NYC and its glorious history, but I was disappointed that there was no reference to that body, its achievements and failures, on such an “august” occasion. It worries me.

• Renwick Rose is a community activist and social commentator.