Ferguson as Minister of Youth: “Parents, Let’s Work Together”

Minister Ferguson was also in charge of Youth in 2007. Back then he said he physically walked the streets of Belize City and tried to organize young people, listen to their concerns and solve the issues affecting them. He told us a similar forum was already held in Dangriga on Wednesday. He says key issues for many young people often stem from the home.

Rodwell Ferguson

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth

“Just yesterday there was a get-together in Dangriga to hear the concerns of the residents of Dangriga to hear the concerns of the residents of Dangriga and how can you curb the activities that are going on. But number one, I will say it starts from in the home. The parents need to help the Government because every time we blame the Government, but it starts from the family. If they can do their part, we can fix this society. What we need to do as a Government is to make sure we create employment for these young people. The previous Minister – about two months ago, he started a job training program and he was able to employ, I believe, maybe over a hundred and fifty young people or more across the country and pay them a small salary of one-fifty a week. But at least he allowed them to get a job and get some training and those same employers might consider that if you do a good job (they will) employ them on their premises. So we have to be very pragmatic and get the work done.”