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Turks and Caicos Islands Deputy Premier Jamell Robinson has issued a passionate call for stronger youth empowerment across the region, arguing that sustainable national development hinges on how well today’s young people are equipped, engaged, and trusted.
Speaking during the installation of Lemar James as the 64th president of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Robinson emphasized that mentorship, inclusion, and leadership opportunities are just as important as access to resources.
“Our youth are rising to meet the challenge, but they need more than opportunities,” Robinson said.
“They need mentorship… and the freedom to lead with purpose and authenticity.”
Volunteerism as a Catalyst for Change
Robinson urged young people to embrace voluntary service as a means of building empathy, developing leadership skills, and becoming community problem-solvers. He described it as the “engine of lasting change.”
“Volunteering is not a sideline,” he added, “it is a launch pad.”
He challenged adults to shift from merely offering guidance to co-creating solutions with youth, fostering intergenerational collaboration that unlocks innovation.
Rotary’s New President Unveils “Roots” Youth Initiative
Newly installed President Lemar James unveiled the Rotary Club’s new theme for the year:
R.O.O.T.S. – Rotary Outreach for Opportunities, Transformation, and Sustainability.
James outlined a year-long plan centered on:
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Business & Economic Development: An MSME accelerator program and a high school business incubator at Anchovy High School.
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Education & Teacher Training: A core-skills programme aimed at upskilling educators in partnership with the Rotary district.
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Youth Engagement: The launch of two new Interact Clubs to expand Rotary’s reach in schools.
“Roots is more than just a project,” James said. “It’s a framework for sustainable development… a blueprint for transformation.”
During the event, Robinson was also named a Paul Harris Fellow, a prestigious Rotary honour recognizing individuals who contribute significantly to the organisation’s mission of community service.
Our Opinion
This powerful call to action couldn’t come at a better time. As youth across the Caribbean wrestle with underemployment, violence, and a changing social landscape, initiatives like Roots offer tangible hope. Robinson's address was more than ceremonial — it was a challenge to rethink youth engagement as a partnership, not a handout. If implemented thoughtfully, this shift in mindset could inspire a new generation of Caribbean leaders rooted in service, innovation, and nation-building.
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