Work Continues on National Youth Policy

Work is continuing on the revision of the National Youth Policy and development of the mechanisms to support its implementation.

This was disclosed by Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, during her contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 20.

“I am not pleased that we have taken this long for the policy to be tabled. But we had to ensure that we listened to all the voices and aspirations of our youth. As you are aware several groups exist,” Miss Hanna said.

She added that for the preparation of the policy she met with youth of the Jamaica, Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, the Colour Pink and other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender groups.

“The draft Green Paper is in the last round of modification and is currently being reviewed by the Ministry. It will be going to Cabinet shortly. We are also in the process of fine tuning the implementation modalities of the policy, once it has been approved by Cabinet,” Miss Hanna said.

The Minister also informed that although the merger of the National Youth Service with the National Centre for Youth Development has been approved, the operational guidelines for the implementation are on hold until the policy is final.