12th August 2013 Media Release International Youth Day 2013 The COP YOUth Congress wishes to extend sincere greetings to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago on today’s global observance of International Youth Day. International Youth Day is an annual observance recognized by the United Nations since 1999. On December 17th 1999, Trinidad and Tobago was one of the United Nations member countries that became signatory to the recommendation by the World Meeting of Ministers of Youth to dedicate August 12th towards the recognition of youth and youth-related issues. The COP Youth Congress notes that the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward’. The selection of this theme brings to light the important role that young people play in generating ideas, networking communities and contributing to sustainable development. Since its inception in 2006, the Congress of the People has always demonstrated a distinct focus on recognizing the role of youth in the political and governance process in our country. From its choice in election candidates to the composition of its governing committees to the special provision made for youth in its constitution, the Congress of the People has set the stage for other political parties in Trinidad and Tobago to treat youth with the respect and inclusion as it deserves. Today, our nation faces peculiar political, social and governance related issues. Noting that there are numerous issues that impact heavily on our nation’s youth, we call upon the government to play close attention to the following matters in particular: 1) Road Safety: The COP YOUth Congress has launched an initiative that will focus on road safety. We believe that much has to be done where the aversion of major and minor road accidents are concerned. We note growing reports of young people being fatalities in road accidents. There needs to be a comprehensive analysis of the infrastructural, human and environmental factors that contribute to road accidents. In this way an effective plan of action by all stakeholders can be formulated so as to mitigate death and injury due to road accidents. 2) Constitution Reform: The political system needs to be redesigned to encourage wider participation and representation of interests. We must accelerate the delivery of constitutional reform, particularly areas such as proportional representation, fixed election dates and right of recall. The modernization of our political system to reflect the changing needs of our population and its youth is more necessary today than ever before, and the State and civil stakeholders must keep their focus on delivering constitutional reform to unlock new political possibilities for the benefit of current youth and future generations. The COP YOUth Congress thanks all youth leaders in State, communities, the workplace, schools, sport, education, religion and the family. We remind all youths that they are powerful, precious and filled with possibility. We wish all young people the best in developing their potential. Happy International Youth Day 2013. Kieron Samaroo Chairman COP YOUth Congress
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 20:07:43 +0000
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