Winston Hill, a youth ambassador

Launching the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award today, Minister of Industry and Trade says the youth of the country deserve recognition.

Premila Kumar says gone are the yesteryear’s when young people were held back from taking up influential positions because of seniority barriers.

The Minister of Industry and Trade says the merit system adopted by the current government has allowed young people to join various sectors and play influential roles in decision making.

“In yesteryears, youths never had any opportunity because there was no merit system. In other words, it was all about seniority and one had to wait till the seniors either exited from the workplace or dead or in whichever way, then the youths were promoted. But now it’s not based on that. It’s simple if you have the talent, you’re able to contribute – you’re recognized and you’re promoted.”

Winston Hill, a youth ambassador, says the younger generation can influence positive changes if they trust their abilities.

“Two things actually, yourself and the people you surround yourself with. Being doubtful of your capabilities is the first step failure so urge them to be confident in themselves, in their ideas, in their projects.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Premila Kumar says in this day and age, the youth of the nation is the backbone of the country and has the potential to influence positive change.