Youth Power - Rock the Vote by Nyus Alfred

Sometime ago we presented a young talented female writer, who wanted her name withheld and  who expressed her views on Lorne Theophilus' tenure. Today we present a talented young man by the name of Nyus Alfred who is spearheading the #ISTANDUP  campaign in favour of Bradley Felix. Here is his piece:
"Today I was challenged to provide justification for the ‪#‎ISTANDUP‬ with Bradly movement. Of course, I duly accept, and I will give you REASON #1, and ask that you join the #ISTANDUP movement as we look to bring change to Choiseul/Saltibus.
For the creation of a holistic youth development plan to tap into the talents of the youth of Choiseul- in sports, arts, music, business, agriculture and education, #ISTANDUP
HOW?

Nyus Alfred

For the implementation of grassroots developmental cricket and football programs for youth 5 years and older, #ISTANDUP. Sports has always been an essential part of the Choiseul/Saltibus community, especially cricket, and these programs will help nurture talents in these sports, to continue our tradition of producing top class sportsmen and women.
For the repair, maintenance and development of sporting infrastructure in Choiseul/Saltibus, to provide first class facilities to help harness the talent among our youth, #ISTANDUP
For the creation of a youth help desk to assist the youth of Choiseul/Saltibus in taking advantage of the various educational and employment opportunities available, #ISTANDUP.
For the creation of model farms across the communities, which will provide employment for our young people, #ISTANDUP.
For increased collaboration with the Choiseul Youth and Sports Council and youth leaders to help identify the various issues affecting the youth of the community, and for working together to find amicable solutions, #ISTANDUP
For recognizing the excellence among our youth in all fields, through support of the annual CYSC awards, #ISTANDUP

To be continued…..

For the creation of programs to support the underprivileged youth with our schools, #ISTANDUP
#ISTANDUP with Bradly Felix for Choiseul/Saltibus because he does more than believe in the youth; He has a PLAN to develop the youth! With Bradly we will create a culture that not just accepts youth, but celebrates youth. The Youth Movement is about to get into overdrive in Choiseul/Saltibus, so make sure that you get on board! ‪#‎YOUTHPOWER‬ ‪#‎ROCKTHEVOTE‬"

Bradley Felix plans to address unemployment in Choiseul - By Samuel Sukhnandan

Bradley Felix

As unemployment continues to plague the island, United Workers Party (UWP) candidate, Bradley Felix, plans to play his part in tackling the issue head on, in Choiseul, if elected the constituency’s Member of Parliament (MP).

Felix said this is not just his plan for Choiseul, but it is also part of his party’s vision to create sustainable jobs for all Saint Lucians, particularly young people, who are most affected by this issue.

While acknowledging that it would require hard work and dedication, the banker said he is prepared to make it a reality for the people of his beloved community.

In a recent interview with Saint Lucia News Online (SNO), Felix said that the issue of unemployment is on the lips of many persons, not only in Choiseul, but throughout the length and breadth of Saint Lucia.

“You hear about it, but until you start visiting houses and you realize that every other house has some young person, who has left school three, four, five years ago, and they are still home, unemployed and unable to get employment, you ask yourself whether the unemployment figure is accurate,” he said.

The UWP candidate who spoke passionately about bringing drastic changes to Choiseul, said he plans on tapping into the tourism and agriculture sectors to address the unemployment issue.

Checking on the Arts and Craft

Felix believes that Choiseul has the potential to develop a heritage tourism market, especially since the constituency is known for having a lot of Saint Lucia’s historic sites, rivers and parks. This, he said, will help to create employment opportunities for people of all ages there.

“I think we need to start thinking outside of the box and create some opportunities to get the tourist dollar and for them to stop in the community. Right now, the tourist just pass through the community. You have the occasional people, who come and climb the Pitons, and people who come and look for specific craft components, but you don’t get people stopping in the community,” he explained.

He argued that despite the current MP is the incumbent tourism minister and the fact that Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony is from Choiseul, this does not change anything, because the people in that constituency have been left out and no one has really benefited from the tourism dollar.

Bradley on his Pineapple farm

Model farms

Felix has his eyes set on creating model farms for Choiseul, which will hopefully attract young people to the agriculture sector. He explained that government would have to first subsidize the project, but it will then be left up to the young people to take ownership of it, and get a meaningful income.

Choiseul is already known as a fishing and farming village. But Felix thinks that there have been a lot of lip service as it relates to agriculture, although the area has very fertile lands which could be used for agriculture purposes.

“A couple of years ago, it was identified for housing development and I think we need to identify what is best for housing and what is good for agriculture,” he added.

Felix promises not only to do more, but  is aiming to change the face of politics in the country, where the people are put first, and where politicians start showing respect for the people they serve.

“The people are only recognized as masters when it comes to election time, as it is happening right now. All of a sudden, the people are the biggest concern and you forget about them until the next election. I really plan to provide a different kind of representation and to make myself accessible to the people.”

The banker expressed confidence in winning the seat based on several factors, when asked about his chances in the next election.

Felix said he is a genuine person, who has a good relationship with people of all walks of life in the constituency and beyond.

Mingling with the Gia Bois residents

“What you see is what you get. I don’t try to play the normal political role that people play, where you find they are trying to meet with grass roots people and trying to put themselves in areas they are not comfortable with. That’s not me. I have always been a people’s person and a community person.”

He said when he goes to sit down and talk with the people now, it is not something new to him, because he has always been engaged with them. “This is not something that I am doing because of politics. I would help the fishermen pull their boats in and sit down with the guys on the block discussing issues, playing games, going on the farms. It’s just my way of life.”

Felix has been a banker for most of his professional career. He has worked in the banking industry for over 32 years. His last position was senior manager for Corporate Banking at the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company (ECFH) or what is commonly referred to as the Bank of Saint Lucia

Slide show

Source: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/bradley-felix-plans-to-address-unemployment-in-choiseul/

Editor's note: Pics and video belongs to Choiseul on the Move

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