St. George's Grenada, Monday, April 19th, 2010: The launch of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports’ National Youth Ambassadors programme was held on Sunday April 18, 2010 at The Estuary in Simon, St. Andrew.  Grenada now boasts 81 Youth Ambassadors who have received their instruments of appointment and are ready to work in the interest of the young people of the tri-island state.

At the launch, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports, Hon. Patrick Simmons, said that with the implementation of such a programme, the Government “pays tribute to these bright, conscientious and committed young people, and we acknowledge the huge task we are entrusting them with.”

Minister Simmons also stated that “the world is a stage and our young people are standing in the wings awaiting their turn, front and centre, as the leading performers. You are all rising stars, and I am confident that you will represent yourself, your peers and your country with patriotism, dignity and grace.”

The Minister pledged his support and commitment to ensuring that the experience is a nourishing one that will provide the Youth Ambassadors with the necessary tools to embark on a new exciting future for themselves and for the youth population of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Also present at the ceremony was Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Youth Caucus to the Commonwealth, Shireene McMillan, who advised the ambassadors of the tasks ahead. She explained that while the task of a Youth Ambassador is ‘lovely” it does take a lot of hard work. She said that the job requires extensive discipline, commitment and determination in order to rise above the difficulties they may face.

McMillan also encouraged the Youth Ambassadors to be impartial and fair in their decision making and made a clarion call for them to foster good relationships with other ambassadors, not only in Grenada, but, also the world over.

The National Youth Ambassadors programme targets young people aged 16-35 who will represent their peers on national, regional and international levels.    The programme includes a number of self and community development activities that will encourage the development and empowerment of the youth ambassadors, who will in turn become change-agents within their communities.

Reon LaTouche receives his pin	Judy Alexis receives instruments of appointment	Deputy Chair of Regional Youth caucus to the Commonwealth-Shireene McMillan	2010 National Youth Ambassadors