VERY OFTEN in our society, we cry down our young people when they have fallen far from the mark set for them. Sometimes they deserve the criticism, especially when it is deemed that they are not upholding the strong morals and values upon which this country was built.
But, just as fast as we can “pull down” the youth, let us also be just as quick to “big them up” when they do right.
Today we salute some young people who can easily be held up as beacons for other youth in this society. While they walk different paths and their stories vary, they are uplifting and inspiring youth who, despite adversity, fight and overcome in their respective battles. These positive stories have been highlighted in this newspaper, despite criticisms levelled over time that not enough is being done on our pages to portray the good in our young people.
This was one of the points raised in last week’s Nation Talkback town hall meeting at Queen’s College focusing on the youth. Some in the audience complained that the media did not doing enough to feature young people who were do positive things in the society. Today we point to three shining examples of young people who must be commended for their inner strength to fight their personal struggles.
In the last SUNDAY SUN, 23-year-old cancer survivor Asha John spoke of her battle after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, last year. We applaud this young woman who does not let her disability stop her from living a full, active life.
Kudos too to 23-year-old university graduate Jabarry Nicholls, who is on a mission to put ghetto youth on the right path. He personally fought financial struggles to successfully pursue his degree at the University of the West Indies.
We also highlight John Durant, who made a 360-degree turn from hanging on the block and dealing with ganja and guns, to living a godly life.
These three young people must be commended for overcoming their personal plights.
So often it is easy to overlook the good that some of them do and only see the bad. That, sadly, is a human trait. It is critical, therefore, that as we move forward as a society, we see the good in our young people and help to support them in their endeavours. They are the ones who will have the task of taking this country forward.
As Barbados is on the cusp of celebrating its 50th anniversary of Independence, and as we reflect on our past and those who have helped to build this nation, we must also focus on the youth who will ultimately lead this country into the next 50 years.
With young people like Asha, Jabarry and John doing positive things and inspiring others to reach their true potential, our country will be in good hands.
