As announced earlier,A special discussion under the theme “Transformation to Sustainable Island State: A Conversation with the Nation’s Youth” was held on October 11, 2023. The dialogue was held to provide an opportunity for youth to share their innovative ideas, thoughts, recommendations and views with Leaders, including PM Dr Terrance Drew.

This dialogue was attended by Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew along with members of the federal government, leaders of the private sectors, members of youth organisations, students of secondary schools and tertiary level institutions, as well as young professionals and entrepreneurs.

PM Dr drew, in his opening speech, explained that the theme of dialogue reflects the commitment of the St. Kitts and Nevis Government towards the state agenda of a sustainable island.

Additionally, he stated that this youth dialogue also shows our commitment to providing our youth with maximum opportunities to speak on the development of our beloved country.

PM speaking specifically said that we need to give attention to the contribution of our youth regarding the policies that affect them.

“My government and I welcome our youth here at this dialogue as our partners and leaders in our initiatives to transform St Kitts and Nevis into a great sustainable Island state”, Dr Drew added.

As the theme suggested, “Transformation to a Sustainable Island State: A Conversation with the Nation’s Youth”, the objective of the dialogue was to provide an open platform to the nation’s young minds.

On this platform, youth can share their views on different government schemes, policies, programmes etc. Moreover, they can make their own recommendation for government plans to turn them into more productive.

Dr also drew the government’s priority is to turn the nation into an ideal state that youth will be proud to inherit.

He also stressed that “if we don’t take immediate initiative for the betterment of our country, then it will prove costly at a later stage. So youth has a duty to ask the government what kind of state they want to inherit, and youth must also ask us to what is necessary to do at this juncture of time.”

The PM also expressed happiness over the large number of participation of youth who attend it personally and those who participate through digital mediums.

It is worth mentioning that the problem of water scarcity is part of climate change; the hurricane threats, seaweed, etc., that are showing up on shores are affecting the beauty of the beaches, and all of this is the result of climate change.

In other words, it is clear that the threat of climate change is looming large, and dedicated efforts are necessary to overcome this challenge.

It is to be added that the concept of transformation of the nation into a sustainable island state is based on sevan pillars of the country’s agenda.

This seven pillar includes food security, green energy transition, economic diversification, sustainable industries, the creative economy, COVID-19 recovery, and social protection.

This dialogue was part of the series of budget meetings before the presentation and debate of the budget.