“I will make no apologies to anyone for investing in the young people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique” — words of Prime Minister Dr the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, as he addressed the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs’ New Imani Quarterly meeting and awards ceremony on Thursday.
Prime Minister Mitchell themed his address on recent debates held during the Senate, where some Senators described the New Imani Program as baseless and a waste of money during an economic downturn.
He ruled out the statements as useless and ignorant, however he went on to describe the investment in the future of the country as a moral responsibility.
Mitchell said “This is a moral responsibility of anyone who is representing the people of our country. I say to all of them, simply this, you the young people of this country you owe us nothing, we are your servants and if we do not invest the resources in your future, our God will call us to account for our lack of stewardship to our country.”
Prime Minister Mitchell announced that once finances are available in 2015, more funding will be put into the New Imani Program, despite the many criticisms. He said the government is willing to do more to get more young people trained and qualified in skilled areas, so that the Grenadian economy can be improved.
He challenged the participants to continue giving of their best and commended the many trainees who were awarded for their hard work and improvement. The Prime Minister reminded them that no one is perfect; however, the onus is on them to ensure that the program is a success and that monies invested are put into valuable use.
