Kingstown, August 30, 2024 — The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service marked a significant milestone with the conclusion of its 30th Annual Youth Development Summer Programme. The closing ceremony took place at the Calliaqua Coast Guard Base on August 24, 2024, under the theme “30 Years of Shaping Our Youth for Life’s High Seas.”
Commander Deon Henry, Commanding Officer of the SVG Coast Guard Service, addressed attendees, reflecting on the program’s growth. “When we launched this initiative in 1994, our goal was to introduce youths to the practical aspects of Coast Guard duties,” Henry stated. “Today, we have expanded to include not just maritime training but also vital life skills that will benefit them in any career path they choose.” He added, “For 30 years, we have been ‘Shaping Our Youth for Life’s High Seas,’ and I am proud to see the program continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of our society.”
Petty Officer Sasha Martin, who played a key role in this year’s program, shared insights into the participants’ experiences. “From the start, our participants were pushed to exceed their limits,” Martin explained. “This year, 140 youths gained knowledge in areas ranging from maritime safety to financial literacy. They have learned to navigate both the seas and life with discipline and integrity.” She expressed gratitude to the facilitators and sponsors, noting, “Your dedication has made this journey possible, and I am confident these youths will carry these lessons forward into their future endeavors.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin delivered a motivational address, drawing a comparison between life and a grindstone. “Life is like a grindstone—whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you’re made of,” Benjamin said. “The experiences these youths have gained will serve as their grindstone, shaping them into tomorrow’s leaders. I encourage everyone to focus on positive achievements and the blessings that lie ahead.”
The Feature Address was given by Mr. Darron John, a lecturer at the SVG Community College, who highlighted the program’s impact on national development. “This program is not just about maritime skills; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient nation,” John asserted. “The Youth Development Summer Programme has become a rite of passage for many young Vincentians, equipping them with tools for success both on and off the seas.” He emphasized the program’s enduring legacy, pointing out, “The fact that approximately 4,000 participants have completed this program since its inception is a testament to its lasting impact on our society.”
Representatives from the program’s sponsors, including the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BoSVG), Sagicor Life Inc., and the SVG Port Authority, expressed their pride in supporting such a meaningful initiative. Ms. Lou-Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, commended the Coast Guard Service for its commitment to youth development. “The program is a shining example of what can be achieved when we invest in our youth,” Thomas said, praising both the Coast Guard and the sponsors for their unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
The SVG Coast Guard Service’s Youth Development Summer Programme remains a cornerstone of youth empowerment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with continued support ensuring it will continue to shape the nation’s future leaders for years to come.