During his remarks at the Bahamas Youth Sector Conference 2025, on March 26, 2025, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg expressed his gratitude to The King’s Trust International, the Governor General’s Youth Award, and his team at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture for organizing “this important gathering”.
“Your continued dedication to empowering young people is commendable, and I am proud to stand with you in advancing the future of our nation’s youth,” Minister Bowleg said at the event held at Breezes Bahamas resort. “Our young people are the driving force behind a prosperous Bahamas, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they have the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed.”
“I further would like to acknowledge the distinguished contributions of my fellow speakers, including Mr. Will Straw, CEO of The King’s Trust International, and His Excellency Tom Hartley of the British High Commission, whose insights and expertise will help shape the discourse on youth empowerment and safeguarding,” he added. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to this event’s patron Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Cynthia Pratt, who has dedicated her life to championing the causes of youth, particularly in the areas of support for underprivileged individuals, sports, and education.”
Minister Bowleg pointed out that that year’s conference under the theme, ‘Working for Young People: Safe and Impactful Delivery’, was both “timely and necessary”.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our young people have access to opportunities in environments that are safe, supportive – empowering them to reach their full potential,” he said. “When we speak about safeguarding, it extends beyond the bounds of just policies; we are talking about a national concerted commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
Minister Bowleg added: “The Government of The Bahamas remains steadfast in ensuring that these rights are not just acknowledged in principle but realized in practice. Since its establishment, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture has been committed to promoting all aspects of youth development, sporting excellence, and Bahamian culture.
“We continue to uphold this mission through flagship programs such as the High School Leaders program, the National Youth Ambassadors Corps, the National Youth Parliament and Senate, and the Youth Leaders Certification Programme. These initiatives provide young people with the tools, knowledge, and leadership opportunities needed to effect meaningful change in their communities and beyond the borders of our country.”
Minister Bowleg stated that his Ministry was actively working to integrate safeguarding measures into all national youth programs, reinforcing accountability and monitoring mechanisms to track progress and impact.
He said: “We recognize that government action alone is not enough. A holistic approach is needed, one that involves partnerships between the public and private sectors, NGOs, and community organizations. It is through these partnerships that we will continue to build systems that not only protect our young people but also equip them with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world. This conference serves as a platform to enhance our collective capacity in safeguarding ensuring that all youth programs are effective, sustainable, and aligned with global best practices.”
“As we move forward in this conference, I encourage each of you to take full advantage of the discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities,” Minister Bowleg added. “Let us work together to strengthen the youth sector and create an ecosystem that is safe, effective, and sustainable.”
Minister Bowleg stated that his Ministry stood firm in its commitment to partnering with them in that journey.
“We are not just investing in programs – we are investing in lives, in futures, and in the continued progress of our great nation,” he said.
Minister Bowleg added: “Thank you for your continued dedication to this cause. Together, we can all build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Bahamas for our youth.”
Source: BIS
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