KINGSTON (JIS) -- Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller on Wednesday, February 17 reminded a group of young persons that they are the ones to take the reins of the country in the future, urging them to continue to strive for excellence even in the face of challenges. The Prime Minister was hosting a delegation of youth ambassadors, led by Shaquille Ramsay, Global Youth Ambassador for the Caribbean and Latin America. The youngsters called on Mrs. Simpson Miller at the Office of the Prime Minister, 1 Devon Road.
Mrs. Simpson Miller pointed to Jamaica’s proud heritage, the country’s steady economic progress and the global successes in sports and culture, reminding the youth ambassadors that countries around the world continue to admire Jamaica which has tremendous influence in a number of spheres.
“Despite the challenges, we are doing some things right; we are doing much better than many other countries that are wealthier than us,” she said, citing the recent international recognition of the Jamaica Stock Exchange as the leading stock exchange in the world in 2015 as an example of Jamaica’s progress.
She told the youth that education was a sure foundation for success, encouraging them to stay focused on school.
“Don’t ever take seriously what the naysayers say. Keep moving on and moving up; be confident and show what you can do,” Mrs. Simpson-Miller underscored.
She congratulated Shaquille Ramsay for becoming the first Jamaican to be appointed as the Global Youth Ambassador to represent the Caribbean and Latin American region, expressing confidence that he will do well.
Shaquille explained that the Global Volunteer Network (GVN) Foundation named him as Global Youth Ambassador representing the region. “My objectives are to empower youth in my region and let my voice be heard on issues such as climate change, conservation; human rights and youth activism,” the May Pen High School student explained.
He disclosed that he has over five upcoming international trips to youth fora, seminars and conferences including a trip to Tokyo, Japan to participate in the International Development Youth Forum in March.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Elaine Foster-Allen commended the Youth Ambassadors, nothing that it was great to see children from non-traditional high schools taking up leadership roles. “It shows that you are blooming where you are planted,” she observed.
Those accompanying Shaquille included his mother Ms. Christina Alcott and Youth Ambassadors Tyler Anderson; Janel Hudson; Toshana Wignal; Matthew Barton. Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Youth and Culture Kady Ann Rowe and Youth Empowerment Officer in the Ministry Davy Haughton also accompanied the group.