Barbados’ latest effort to engage young people in shaping the country’s future reached the Alexandra School on Friday, as the government’s “Mission Barbados” campaign launched its National Transformation Initiative before the student body at The Alexandra School.
The initiative, led by a team of ambassadors including Zimron Andrews, focuses on six core national missions designed to ensure a stable and prosperity-driven future for all Barbadians. In a high-level policy discussion combined with school spirit and interactive prizes, Andrews highlighted the urgency of tackling issues such as rising crime, poverty and economic opportunity.
He emphasised the government’s desire to build a new culture for the youth: “We want to build a new culture around this for you and we want you to be able to share your ideas.”
He further explained the importance of the mission: “There are essentially a number of challenges that Barbados face, and we want to address these challenges so that we can all enjoy a bright future, and that is important for all of us.”
The six pillars of this mission cover a broad spectrum of national life, from environmental protection to digital modernisation.
On the topic of food security, Andrews urged students to take practical steps: “We wanted you to help us support in terms of any activities you can do even here at the school to ensure in terms of your planting, make sure at school that you have your gardens going on.”
In a keynote speech Donna Cadogan, the head of the public service, offered a personal message to the students, noting that she grew up in nearby Sion Hill, St James.
She reflected on her own humble beginnings to show that any student could reach her level of authority: “I was once just a little girl, nobody was interested in her, but I went to school… I did my work, I tried my best, and I carried that with me throughout life.”
She also delivered a direct message from the nation’s leadership regarding the spirit of the campaign. “Prime Minister’s message to y’all is about love,” she told the assembly. “Barbadians are known for being warm and loving persons, and we want you all to continue that legacy.” She encouraged the students to see themselves as global players, adding: “You as Barbadians are world-class citizens… you can excel in whatever area you choose to excel in.”
The event also featured remarks from alumna Yolande Skeete, a community mission strategist who was a former Chief Community Development Officer. “I encourage you to continue to keep the legacy of Alexandra,” she told the students, reminding them of the school’s motto, “Through Adversity to the Stars”. She emphasised the importance of education as a foundation for national contribution: “Ensure that you are making a contribution as a valuable citizen of Barbados.”
To bridge the gap between the school and the wider community, she asked the students to act as messengers for the initiative. “Let your parents know what went on here this morning,” she said. “Because then it would make our job easier when we go into the communities.”
The event concluded with a high-energy “Mission Barbados” jingle and a school-wide video recording, with students and staff standing together to chant the campaign tagline: “We ’pon a mission!”
(RR)
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