The Mayor of San Fernando, Robert Parris, believes there is a worrying disconnect between young people and national leadership.
Speaking at the San Fernando City Corporation’s Statutory Meeting on Wednesday, he recalled a moment during his speech at the launch of a Youth Empowerment Camp, hosted by the San Fernando Municipal Police, where it became evident that many young participants had little interest in traditional leadership roles such as law, medicine, or politics.
“These young people, I posed the question to them: Whom amongst you wants to be a doctor? One person raised their finger. Who amongst you wants to be a lawyer? No one. Who amongst you wants to be a police? No one. And I jokingly said, Who wants to be a politician? Surprise, surprise, no one.”
The Mayor described the moment as a brief social experiment, one that he said revealed deeper concerns about the lack of civil pride among the country’s youth.
“I, in my statement last year for City Month, called on all leaders, including civil society, to stand with us in the development of our young people. It is so important. I even stated that the first decision I ever made on my own in my life was to become a scout and based on that decision, I certainly believe that is the reason why it is I continued in a life of service.”
Mayor Parris urged fellow leaders to recommit to serving as positive role models, reminding them about the meaning of leadership.
“Service is really, really selfless. It has nothing to do about enriching yourself. But your family, you lose a lot of time with your family. I could tell you that much. And we really need to focus on why we are here.”
The Youth Empowerment Camp led by the Municipal Police continues at Skinner Park, offering over 100 young people training in leadership, sports, culture, and etiquette.