Philipsburg:--- Today, Friday August 12, marks International Youth Day (IYD) under the slogan "Change Our World." The focus has been placed on the role young people are playing and have played during the past eight months in overthrowing non-democratic elected governments.
This year's International Youth Day also represented the culmination of the International Year of Youth, designated by the United Nations (UN) to comprise the 12-month period between IYD-2010 and IYD-2011, and the 25th anniversary of the first International Year of Youth.
"On this day I would like to wish them much success for the future. We must work more diligently with them by providing the tools and the right framework for our young people to succeed in life.
"The new school year will be opening on Monday, August 15 and I also use this opportunity to wish them, as well as the teachers, school management and staff all the best for the 2011-2012 school year.
"Young people have very good ideas and are often the leading proponents of sustainability and green lifestyles. We need to continue to work with young people on the local level, but also regionally and internationally in expanding their horizons of opportunity and providing for their legitimate demands in various areas of their development.
"Investments in young people today will pay great dividends in a better future for our country. There is much for our young people to be proud of.
"They have the opportunity when compared to many others around the world, to go to school, study abroad, sports facilities, afterschool programs etc.
"However, there continues to be challenges, and as parliamentarians and as government, we must continue to address those challenges, but parents also have their role and responsibilities as well.
"We all need to continue to work together in providing everything that young people need in order for them to be able to continue to blossom in our community and grow together in making St. Maarten what we want it to be together," President of President Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Friday in her message on International Youth Day.
On 17 December 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth which was held in Portugal, that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.