Over 100 of the nation's youth were recognized for their participation in making their communities better places in which to live and study. During a ceremony held September 29 at SuperClubs Breezes, young people from various islands attended a ceremony commemorating the 2014/2015 Local Government Junior Councilors Programme Conclave.
Minister of Financial Services and Local Government, the Hon. Hope Strachan was in attendance and she congratulated the students for participating and completing the programme. Calling the youths the 'future leaders' of the country, Minister Strachan urged the students to 'take responsibility' for their communities in order to ensure a better Bahamas.
“I wish to congratulate the Local Government Junior Councilors for a job well done in successfully completing your one-year term in office,” said Minister Strachan. “I commend and applaud all those who would have given unselfishly of their service.”
The Minister also thanked the Coordinators, Members of the community, District Councilmen, Family Island Administrators and parents for their support and dedication to the programme. She said that their contributions were 'invaluable' and 'greatly appreciated.’
“It is vital that you support and persistently encourage our future Nation Builders, as we seek to provide them with the knowledge and skills to become future community leaders who would one day become Local Government practitioners.
During the one-year programme, students were able to achieve several goals including, beach clean up campaigns, community gardening and landscaping projects. The students also participated in fundraising activities and donated the funds to several projects, including the purchase of books and cash donations to students.
Students also participated in speech contests, 'election' campaigns, a motorcade and a swearing ceremony for the winning junior councilors.
Approximately 300 students from several islands attended the ceremony and were treated to a luncheon and awards.
Minister of Financial Services and Local Government, the Hon. Hope Strachan addresses attendees of the 2014/2015 Local Government Junior Councilors Programme Closing Conclave. The event was held September 29 at SuperClubs Breezes on Cable Beach. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
Participants of the 2014/2015 Local Government Junior Councilors Programme pose for a group shot with Minister of Financial Services and Local Government, the Hon. Hope Strachan, centre, during a ceremony marking the closing of the conclave. The event was held September 29 at SuperClubs Breezes on Cable Beach. Permanent Secretary David Davis is at front, second right. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
