During our first term in office, the affairs of the youth of our nation were a high priority for

the
government.

For the first time, the government has defined a clear National Youth Policy, with a Ministry of
Youth Affairs to implement it and a Director of Youth Affairs to manage the many initiatives for
Youth Development.

Through the Board of Education and the Foreign Service’s emphasis on securing international
academic opportunities, there has been an increase in the number of university-level scholarships
awarded to youth. Currently, over 1,000 Antiguans and Barbudans are pursuing higher degrees in
many countries around the world. Youth who require financing to assist with higher education
benefitted when the UPP Government established a National Education Grant fund to offer
educational loans of up to $50,000 at a nomional 3% interest.

Opportunities for training and education for youth have multiplied at the various departments of
the Antigua State College, the Police Training School, the Antigua Barbuda International
Institute of Technology, the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and other
institutions throughout the country.

Through the many Computer Access Centres throughout the country, access to computers, and
training to use them, are available to every young person at no cost. Training in foreign
languages is also provided at these Centres.

Youth are provided with free school uniforms and receive nutritious meals at school at minimal
cost.

In view of the significant gains realized during the first five years of a UPP Administration,
the youth of Antigua & Barbuda have a vested interest in ensuring the re-election of the
UPP.

During our second term, these are some of the projects we will embark on to consolidate our
programme for youth development and advancement:

We will create the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Business Trust. In helping young people to
build successful businesses, the ABYBT will offer:

 Business start-up capital subject to appropriate vetting and project oversight

requirements;
 Business mentoring;
 Business-affiliated grants; and
 Business support, including training and skills development, and opportunities for
marketing and promotion and networking.

The Single Mothers Cottage Industry Programme will help increase employment
opportunities for young single mothers with limited or no skills. Training will be offered
in Agricultural Production and Elder Care.
The Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture will provide youth aged 17 to
25 years with an opportunity to become involved in farming as a business.

Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres will cater to youth aged 15 to 25

years who have not yet acquired enough education. They will pursue two years of
training in a number of vocational and occupational skills.

The Youth Development Programme will offer youth opportunities for a variety of
training within their communities, using the school plants in the afternoons and evenings.