Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture

Yute Vibez

Volume 1, Issue 3

Nov-Dec 2010

“Be…Do…Have…” Director’s Message As we enjoy the festivities of the Christmas season and approach the

end of this year 2010, let us consider and give God thanks for all our

accomplishments, both in our personal lives and professional career.

There is a principle for guaranteed success that I would like for us to

consider for the New Year. The principle is simply, BE…DO …HAVE…

BE in your minds and thoughts the individual you want to be, for as a man thinks, so is he.

Having a transformed mind and a mindset that is conditioned for success along with a tough

mental fortitude will be the driving force, taking us into that place that we envisioned.

DO the things it takes to get us to that place. For some of us this Christmas, it will be mak-

ing a conscious effort not to spend so much this holiday season. For others it will be taking

the time to heal or to be healed of broken relationships and building bridges, bridges that

were predestined to cross us over into success and happiness. For others, it could be making

a list of the do‟s and don‟ts for this season and for the New Year.

When we BE in our minds the individuals we want to be and DO what needs to be done then

we will HAVE the things we have been hoping for. This Christmas, let us think carefully

about the things we need to HAVE, and then decide our plan of action for receiving them.

Let us think carefully about what will get us to the next stage in life, a bigger, broader

stage of self actualization and success. The world awaits our wisdom and our youthful

strength. This Christmas, while we party and cele-

brate we will remember the challenges and be con-

scious of the needs of our young people. Those who

are incapacitated, those are left suffering and nurs-

ing gunshot wounds, those whose lives have been

broken and destroyed.

Let us think carefully on how we can be…do and

have…to make their lives better and Jamaica a bet-

ter place to live.

As we approach Christmas…let us remember the

Reason for the Season...and let us embrace each

other in the true spirit of Christmas…and remem-

ber…Be ...Do… Have…

Jamaican Youth Shaping the World!

“Jamaican Youth: Organizing, Integrating and Participating for Development” was

the theme for Youth Month 2010. The

Month, which kicked off with its November

1 Launch, had several events slated to highlight the achievements and challenges

of young people.

The month long celebrations included: a

Youth Gospel Explosion, International

Students‟ Day, Rally and Conference, Street Youth Stakeholders‟ Consultation,

Portmore Youth Explosion, National Youth

Council Elections and the International

Volunteers‟ Day.

With each turn of the page, you will share

in the excitement that was!

Youth participants in

the International

Volunteers‟ Day Project in

Portland.

The Glenmuir High School choir performs

at International Students‟ Day

P a g e 2 Y u t e V i b e z

Yute Meds: Possibilities Abound!

guiding philosophy, “Responsible

Students Make the Difference”.

About the Author: Jermaine Ander-

son is 19 years old and is the newly

elected PRO for the National Youth

Council. He volunteers at the Man-

chester Youth Information Centre.

If we go by pessimistic predictions about the future of youth in the Jamaican society, they are destined for the scrap heap.

In this regard, we must disprove sceptics

and embrace the possibilities that

abound! The youth of this country, new

entrepreneurs and young professionals

shape the future of Jamaica. It spells H-O

-P-E, as youth possess an unlimited supply

of potential that can be harnessed effec-

tively to realize these possibilities.

Many institutions have been a source of

nourishment for creating healthy symbi-

otic relationships among youth - which has helped in the fight against crime in at

-risk and volatile communities - helping

to soften some of these tense communi-

ties.

Resulting in the creation of an environment within

which youthful exuberance can be expressed in man-

ner that is productive. Agencies such as the National

Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) have been

key players in ensuring that the business of trans-

forming young lives is one that is taken seriously and

is executed effectively.

To this end they have facilitated organizations such

as the National Secondary Students‟ Council, which

advocates strongly on behalf of students of Jamaican

secondary schools. The programme was revamped in

2003 under the leadership of the Director of the

NCYD and currently represents 162 secondary schools

and over 300,000 students. The NSSC continues its

representation of Jamaica‟s students with the

Youth Month Launch: November 1

Youth Should be more Proactive>>> Young people were encouraged to be more proactive in their own development. Paul McFarlane, guest speaker at the Launch of Youth Month, appealed to youth to

“organize themselves in groups and create opportunities to advance themselves and

their communities”. Citing a number of scholarships, he reminded the youth that

opportunities are present but better use must be made of them.

Also speaking at the function, Senator Warren Newby outlined several initiatives to help young people achieve their goals, including the Career Advancement Pro-

gramme and the Jamaica Youth Business Trust. Senator Newby also spoke about

the National Youth Survey, which is currently being done. From this Survey, policy

makers will be able to address the gaps in the current National Youth Policy so

that more youth can benefit from programmes.

Scenes from Youth Month Launch held November 1, 2010

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 3

International Students’ Day: November 17>>> Revise Funding for Tertiary Education

Over 700 students from 60 schools filled the Vere Technical High School Auditorium on

November 17. The International Students‟ Day

Conference was held under the theme “Youth

Advocacy and Funding for Tertiary Education”. Head of the NCYD, Mrs. Roberta Brown-Ellis

explained that “the theme was relevant as

many young people are denied tertiary educa-

tion due to lack of financial assistance”.

The Conference featured presenters from the Students‟ Loan Bureau, UWI Guild, Northern

Caribbean University as well as high schools,

who spoke about ways in which youth can access funding and the responsibilities of

stakeholders such as the SLB.

Randy Goldson from the NCU stated that in-

vestment in youth is priceless and that Ja-

maica will see the benefit in the long term. UWI Student, Stephanie Abrahams suggested

that lending institutions such as the SLB can

make their loan schemes more appealing by lowering interest rates and extending the

length of time for repayment. She also sug-

gested that repayment be done based on the

income of the person. In this way, young peo-ple are afforded greater opportunities through

more flexible and viable loan schemes.

Youths were also encouraged to become their

own advocates as only when they speak up will

they be taken seriously. Newly installed NSSC President, Darren Miller urged the young audi-

ence to take their role as advocates seriously in

order to truly shape the nation positively.

President of the NSSC, Darren

Miller speaks to the audience

at the International Students‟

Day Conference.

Street Youth Stakeholders’ Consultation: November 19 “Not an Easy Life”

“Street Youth are often overlooked and I thought that speaking with them would provide a better

understanding of their situation”, remarks made by

Miguel Williams. Thirteen young men, aged be-

tween the ages of 16 and 29 years, came from the communities of the Three Miles area to speak can-

didly about their experiences of living and working

on the street.

They recounted having to bear physical and verbal

abuse from colleagues, motorists and the security forces, sometimes hiding in tombs and sleeping on

the streets. Many of them explained that they were

unable to continue formal education and were forced to seek a life on the streets for their subsis-

tence. The youths stated that they would love to be given opportu-

nities to go back to school, work

or start up business.

Williams, Co-ordinator of the Street Youth Stakeholders‟ Consultation, explained that the interaction was intended to bring agencies together to listen to the young men so

that they could better assist them. Mr. Williams stated that a plan of action will be de-

veloped based on the recommendations of the youths and programmes will be developed

to streamline them and youths like them back into the society. Stakeholders included

the YMCA, Office of the Childrens‟ Advocate, UNICEF, Child Development Agency,

Children First, Planning Institute of Jamaica and the National Youth Service.

Senator Warren

Newby speaks to

the street youths

at the Consulta-

tion.

P a g e 4 Y u t e V i b e z

Portmore Youth Explosion: November 20

SHE’S ROYAL

Miss and Mini-Miss Washington Mews,

Shaneka Barrett & Francine Williams

The Portmore Youth Information Centre has reached

out to several young women from the Washington

Mews and Newland communities through a series of

self image and self-esteem workshops. The workshop

which was held under the theme “BEAUTY IS BE-

YOND OUR SKIN ITS WHAT LIES DEEP

WITHIN’…..‘SHE’S ROYAL”, culminated in a “Mini-

Miss and Miss Washington Mews” Empowered Youth

Pageant.

The Workshop and Pageant was a big boost for the

participants from the volatile area. Tanya Powell,

Youth Empowerment Officer in Portmore stated that

the workshop/pageant was an initiative to engage

girls between 6 and 17 years old. She explained that “the participants are often seen

as objects in their communities and that by empowering them, they would claim

responsibility for their bodies”. The workshops focused on four main areas namely:

self-esteem and self-image, healthy living and hygiene, gender, youth and societal

reality and modeling and public speaking.

On the big night, Francine Williams and Shaneka Barrett walked away as Mini-Miss

and Miss Washington Mews. Mrs. Powell stated that the winners and other partici-

pants were elated and have been encouraged to appreciate their worth through the

workshop series.

The initiative has been so successful that it is currently being implemented in the

Caymanas Bay Communities. Though a date has not been set for the next pageant,

Mrs. Powell foresees that the impact will be just as positive on the young women

there as it was on those from the Washington Mews and Newland communities.

Shaneka Barrett

speaking in the

question and an-

swer segment.

A participant doing

a talent piece at

the Mini-Miss and

Miss Washington

Mews.

Falmouth Trelawny was the centre of attraction on November 20 as the Youth

Gospel Explosion was held. The concert was held at the Assemblies of God

under the theme, “Breaking the Curse”. Over 300 youth were in attendance

and there were a number of performances from persons within the parish.

Rhonda Walters, organizer of the event, stated that “it was successful and

the young people were truly blessed and inspired”. Mrs. Walters stated that

the theme was chosen “in light of the struggles that the youth of the nation

face as it relates to youth violence, kidnappings, HIV/AIDS contraction and

poverty, among other challenges. Senator Warren Newby and Mrs. Roberta

Brown-Ellis were also in attendance and expressed that the concert was both

entertaining and spiritually uplifting.

Exhilarating performances came from the Albert Town, Troy and Cedric Titus

High Schools. The National Youth Service and Litchfield Youth Club also par-

ticipated in the event. Guest performances came from the „New Sensation‟

Group, New Destiny Ministries, Lamoy Brown, DJ Troy and Ryan Mark.

Big Up!!! The NCYD would like to send a special BIG UP to its

workers on the following:

Recognition: Ms. Takisha Barnes and Mrs. Tanya

Merrick-Powell who were both featured in the Jamaica

Observer. They were recognized by the Bureau of

Women‟s Affairs as having significantly contributed to

Youth Development.

Parenthood: Messrs Miguel Williams and Keitho Nemb-

hard on the births of baby boys. We wish them all the

best!!!

Birthdays: Mr. Kevon Campbell and Ms. Donaree Muir-

head on celebrating birthdays

during this holiday season.

P a g e 5 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 3

Director, Roberta Brown-Ellis planting peppers at

Muirton Boys‟ Home, Portland. IVD, December 5

Vere Technical High Cadet Corp at International

Students‟ Day, November 17.

Street Youth from Consultations held

November 19.

1st Deputy Chair, Shannon Dale Reid (left) talks with

Financial Controller, Jamar Howell at the Youth

Council Elections. Nov. 27. Participants in the Mini-Miss & Miss Washington

Mews held in Portmore, St. Catherine. Nov. 20

Miguel “Steppa” Wil-

liams performs at the

Launch of Youth

Month. Nov. 1.

Mrs. Ellis makes a point at the

Street Youth Consultation.

Nov. 19. YEO, Dowell Wil-

liams handles the

machete at the

International Volun-

teers‟ Day in Port-

land. Dec. 5.

Youth queue up to cast their votes. Na-

tional Youth Council Elections. Nov. 27.

Yute Vibez P a g e 6

A New Generation for Youth Governance

International Volunteers’ Day>>>December 5

>>> Muirton benefits from “3D” Activity Over 250 youths participated in the NCYDs International Vol-unteers‟ Day project which was held at the Muirton Boys‟

Home in Portland. The project was conceptualized as a “3D”

venture, where:

1. 200 plantain suckers were sowed

2. 200 peppers were planted

3. 5 pigs were donated as well as repairs to an existing pig sty

These “three different” (3D) activities would boost the Home‟s self sufficiency as well as income generation from

sales to potential customers in the surrounding community.

The NCYD also contributed farm tools and fertilizers for the

maintenance of the crops.

Dowell Williams and Simone Jackson, organizers of the activ-ity, stated that all the objectives of the day were executed

and that the onus is on the Home to maintain the farming

programme.

The participants hailed from the surrounding communities and

a number of organizations including the NCYD, NYS, Social Development Commission, RADA, 4H Clubs, Community Youth

Clubs and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education.

Youths doing repairs to

the pig sty at the Muirton

Boys‟ Home in Portland on

December 5.

Young ladies hard at work

with the planting.

Pigs donated to the Muirton Boys‟

Home

Voters casting ballots at the Youth Council Elections

November 27 saw a new Youth Council being elected at the St. Hildas High School in Brown‟s Town, St.

Ann. Over 300 people from 242 youth clubs voted for

a new team of Youth Council Executives who will lead

the charge in tabling youth issues at the National

level.

The new executive body is: Ryan Small – Chairman,

Lanisa Rhoden – 1st Deputy Chair, Shannon Dale Reid –

2nd Deputy Chair, Jamar Howell – Financial Control-

ler, Melissa Matthie – General Secretary and

Jermaine Anderson – Public Relations Officer .

Head of the National Centre for Youth Development

(NCYD), Mrs. Roberta Brown-Ellis said that “this new

Council will help to reenergize and reorganize community youth clubs so that their members can organize, inte-

grate, and participate in order to develop the country”.

Takisha Barnes, NCYD‟s Deputy Director of Youth Policy

and coordinator of the Youth Coun-cil Programme explained that “the

Council will speak on Youth Issues

on a national level and will be more active in formulating legisla-

tion which will be in the best inter-

est of the country‟s youth”.

The National Youth Council is the

umbrella organisation for youth clubs across Jamaica, which seeks

to foster youth participation at the

community level, and advocate for

youth participation in all levels of governance through providing assis-

tance in the formulation, imple-

mentation and evaluation of gov-

ernment policy regarding youth. Voters being processed at the National Youth Council

Elections.

YEO Style : AGENT 101

YEO Name: Rhonda Walters

YEO Parish/Portfolio: Trelawny (Northern)

Major projects done: The Big Sisters Mentorship Programme at the Granville Child

Care Facility

Current Projects: Building the Capacity of the Trelawny Parish Youth Council

Biggest accomplishment: Sustaining the mentorship programme for one year with

the involvement of individuals from other government agencies& the Half Moon Hotel

in St. James

Biggest Inspiration: “Seeing my mentees grow & contributing to the positive devel-

opment of the young people I work with through encouragement or by assisting them

with financial & other resources to realize goals or just to get by daily”.

NCYD UPDATES 1. An NCYD/YIC website is currently under con-

struction and is slated to be active soon. The

site has a number of features geared to en-

gaging youth, especially those transitioning

from high school to the working world. The site will also provide links to scholarship

offerings and building your resume. Look out

for more!!

2. The National Youth Survey, which is cur-

rently being conducted, is slated to end in January 2011. After the Survey is through, a

series of community and town hall meetings

will be held to discuss the results, the impli-cations for youth and measures to ensure

that youths are given full attention in all six

areas of the National Youth Policy.

Did You Know? 1. That the Possibility Programme was imple-

mented in 2001 to address the problem of

street youth? The programme ensures that

registered youth are given food, shelter and

skills training.

2. That the Rural Youth Employment Project

(RUYE) is geared towards the reduction of rural

youth unemployment? RYEP will target Tre-

lawny, St. Ann, Manchester & St. Thomas

which are 4 of the poorest parishes with low

youth employment.

For more information, contact us at: 968-6293/908-2010. Check us out on Facebook at ncydjamaica or Natl Centre for Youth Development and

follow us on Twitter. You can also email us at ncydjamaica@gmail.com.

A Youth Empowerment Officer (YEO) is NCYD‟s Youth Agent. Their scope of work covers 4 main areas: Information Dissemination, Coordinating

Youth Organizations & Programmes, Coordinating/Managing Youth Activities through Multi-Sectoral Collaboration & Management of YIC’s.

Yute Vibez P a g e 7

$15 million for Youth Businesses!

If you have a bright business idea but no start-up capital, you can now benefit from a loan from the Jamaica Youth Business Trust. A Memorandum of Understanding be-

tween the Government of Jamaica and the JYBT was signed on October 26, 2010,

which will make $15 million available for loan disbursement. The loan will be made

available to youth who are interested in setting up business in the areas of: Informa-tion Communication Technology (ICT), Agro-Processing, Light Manufacturing and

Services.

The MOU seeks to increase the number of Jamaican youth having access to financing

for business ventures and also increase the number of sustainable youth businesses,

through careful assessment of proposals and effective monitoring and evaluation of projects. It also seeks to create awareness of the financing opportunities available

through the JYBT, especially to rural youth.

To access the fund, a young person will have to write a detailed business proposal which will be reviewed. If this proposal is accepted, the young person will go

through an interviewing process. The individual will then be given his loan disburse-

ment and will be monitored by the JYBT and the NCYD.

The NCYD and its Youth Information Centres will be responsible for undertaking the

loan disbursement to young people, as well as public education, project implemen-tation and promotional activities of the JYBT. Mrs. Roberta Brown-Ellis, Head of the

NCYD, stated that “many young people stand to benefit from this programme,

which shows the Government‟s commitment to giving young people opportunities to

set up businesses while expanding the landscape for potential investors”.