Young people in Sab and surrounding areas have been urged to take advantage of several initiatives provided by the Department of Youth Development. Participating in the “Youth Pulse” Programme, which seeks to analyze and address concerns of young people, Sab residents said there is need for a proper community centre in the village. The “Youth Pulse” meeting took place at the Sab Pre-primary School on Thursday 6th May, during which Prime Minister Keith Mitchell and Minister of State Responsible for Youth Development Senator Emmalin Pierre addressed the gathering. The Prime Minister and Senator Pierre urged the young people to take advantage of the opportunities provided and outlined some of the programmes aimed at curbing social problems, including the Imani Programme, the Young Men Empowerment Programme and the Youth Enterprise Initiative, among others. Residents said the absence of a community centre results in a number of problems. The young people, who have formed a youth group, are forced to use the roadside or someone’s house to hold their meetings. Senator Pierre said the Youth Department will soon recommence an initiative aimed at strengthening youth groups, and the Sab organization is among the 18 groups identified for assistance. Senator Pierre said it is her hope that this project will motivate young people and adults in the area to realise their wish for a community centre. Prime Minister Mitchell reiterated Senator Pierre’s comments, calling on the residents to be more proactive in community involvement for development. Other concerns raised at the meeting were the high level of unemployment and truancy. A series of “Youth Pulse” meetings are currently being held in St. Andrew’s as part of the Department of Youth Development’s thrust to engage the community in the process of youth development The Sab meeting follows one held in Mirabeau in April, during which residents raised concerns about the unavailability of proper water systems for young farmers. Sen. Pierre advised the young men, who are between the ages of 18 and 25 years, to enter the Department’s Youth Enterprise Initiative (GYEI), for training and assistance to obtain a sprinkler system. SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER