The Debate on the Appropriation Bill got underway on Thursday, April 23, with Gros Islet MP and Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir outlining a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening youth engagement, upgrading sporting infrastructure, and expanding support within the education sector.
Leading off the debate in the House of Assembly, Casimir highlighted the role of the Youth Service Corps in addressing one of the most persistent barriers facing young people entering the workforce.
“You have young people applying for jobs and employers saying you have no experience,” he said. “The Youth Service Corps was developed to allow these young individuals to work in the private sector in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, to work in the public sector and at least for that year get some experience.”
He noted that the programme has already delivered measurable outcomes.
“We saw nine young individuals working for the credit unions. We saw another 15 working at the ministries,” Casimir stated, adding that the initiative also provides “training in finance management” and “training in teamwork at an employment establishment.”
The Minister also pointed to expanded youth engagement through summer programmes. “The Youth Development Unit successfully developed a structured summer enrichment programme designed to promote youth engagements, skills development, and positive social interaction,” he said. “We had 16 programmes across this nation, 534 participants, 88 volunteers,” spanning communities from Dennery to Choiseul and Vieux Fort. According to Casimir, the initiative helped to “improve youth engagement and reduce idle time during the vacation period.”
Significant emphasis was placed on the rehabilitation and expansion of sporting facilities across the island. Casimir detailed ongoing works at multiple venues, including the Leon Hess Playing Field and Marchand Grounds.
“A lot of work is happening in Marchand. Brand new court and community center for the young people in Marchand,” he said. He added that “every single sporting facility in Anse La Raye/Canaries has been or will be upgraded,” citing improvements to playing fields, courts, and community spaces.
In what he described as a historic development, Casimir announced that ancillary staff in schools will now receive salaries during the August holiday period.
“For the first time, in August, wages for janitors will be paid in this country. $558,000 allocated for these individuals,” he said. He further confirmed that cooks and daycare staff will also benefit from the change. “For the first time, wages for cooks and daycare staff, $407,000 allocated for these individuals,” Casimir added.
Turning to education policy, the Minister underscored efforts to elevate technical and vocational training. “Finally, we will see individuals that have CVQs be streamlined at the levels of those with degrees,” he said. “Parity of esteem can be garnered in education. If you want to be a carpenter, you should be held in the same esteem as an individual who wants to be a doctor or a lawyer.”
Casimir also announced plans to formally recognize educators during Teachers’ Week. “We’ve had teachers who have served for 40 and 50 years that have gone unrecognized,” he noted. “We’ve had teachers that have sacrificed… to ensure the youth of this nation progresses.”
Investment in tertiary education was also highlighted, with $2.9 million allocated for infrastructure upgrades at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Casimir framed the investment as part of a broader commitment to strengthening national development through education.
As the budget debate continues, the Minister’s presentation set the tone for discussions centered on youth empowerment, social support, and long-term investment in human capital.