Minister of Youth, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, in conversation with officials from the University of the Southern Caribbean. From left are??Director of??Alumni Affairs, Rachel Sealy;??and Vice President of Development and Planning, Stephen Pilgrim; while Permanent Secretary, Irvine Best; and the First Vice President of USC Alumni (Barbados) Association, Pastor Victor Roach are at right.????????

Government sees sports as a useful tool to help in the development of young people, says Minister of Youth, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo.

As a result, she stated, Government and other agencies were trying to use sports to connect with the youth. She noted that women tended to be self-motivated, so when they encountered a setback, they were able to "pick themselves up" and move on. ??However, some young men needed someone to inspire them and sports could easily assist.

She made the comments yesterday at her office, during a visit by a delegation from the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC). Those in attendance were Vice President of Development and Planning at USC, Stephen Pilgrim; Director of Alumni Affairs, Rachel Sealy; Director of Youth, East Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, Pastor Dale Haynes; Executive Member of the USC Alumni (Barbados) Association, Dr. Vince Payne; and First Vice President of the USC Alumni (Barbados) Association, Pastor Victor Roach.

Dr. Byer Suckoo pointed out that football had now emerged as the largest spectator sport, but, regrettably, it had become associated with some negativity. "I am keen to see that change because football draws crowds," she told the group.

In his response, Mr. Pilgrim said USC had put in place several programmes to help young people, including men, and he highlighted one as the "Windows to the World" project, where sports is being used to motive individuals. He explained that the programme had empowered some young men who were on the periphery, and their football talents had also been harnessed.

He added that the University was seeking to work with the Government on a number of initiatives, which he outlined to the Minister.

USC, formerly the Caribbean Union College, is located in Trinidad and is affiliated to Andrews University. It offers certificate programmes, as well as associated, bachelor and masters degrees.

The University is celebrating its 82nd anniversary and a number of activities have been planned by the local chapter of the Alumni, in an attempt to reach out to the Barbadian public.

saustin@barbados.gov.bb

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