TCI Youth Blaze Twitter With Thought-Provoking Repatriation and Home Construction Discussion

An engaging and transformative Twitter discussion took place Tuesday night, June 27, bringing together prominent leaders and passionate participants to address the pressing issue of repatriation and building a better future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Moderated by the esteemed Leo Lightbourne, the event featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared their insights and perspectives on this critical topic.

Panelist Zhavargo Jolly, a well-known Radio Talk Show Host, emphasized the importance of youth taking proactive measures to become entrepreneurs. He urged the younger generation to be action-oriented, stating, "This generation needs to focus primarily on action! We must create opportunities for ourselves as youth."

Researcher Steveen Ulysse shed light on the significance of cultural development, highlighting the need for a dedicated museum that focuses primarily on the unique heritage and identity of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ulysse stated, "Having our own museum that represents us as a people is crucial for preserving our culture and fostering a strong sense of identity."

Youth Leader Donnie Gardiner Jr. expressed concerns about the lack of transportation options and limited job opportunities, which are driving young people away. He stressed that it is up to the youth to create opportunities within the country, asserting, "We must take the initiative to build a brighter future for ourselves."

Caricom Youth Ambassador Andy Missick delivered a powerful message, emphasizing the importance of youth returning home to contribute to the country's development. He encouraged collective action through group economics, stating, "If we don't build our country, someone else will. Let's come together and advance ourselves locally."

Antwon Walkin, Carifta Medalist, highlighted the need to rely less on the government for opportunities and emphasized the power of collective action. He stated, "As Turks Islanders, we must not solely rely on the government for opportunities. We have the ability to come together and create them ourselves."

The conversation lasted two hours, with each speaker allotted five minutes to share their views. Following the panel discussion, an open mic session provided an opportunity for all guests to express their experiences and thoughts, with each participant given two minutes to contribute.

Moderator Leo Lightbourne emphasized the goal of the discussion, which was to explore the challenges faced by the youth and identify tangible solutions. Out of this enriching dialogue, key action steps emerged:

1. Establish a National Youth Council to amplify youth voices.

2. Organize more Youth Networking Events to foster collaboration.

3. Pledge to speak positively about local businesses.

4. Nurture National Pride through education and active participation.

Moving forward, the focus will be on translating these action steps into meaningful change and fostering collaboration to create a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Twitter Discussion attracted an active audience of 145 listeners and was hailed as a resounding success.

The event has ignited a wave of enthusiasm and determination to address the challenges faced by the youth and drive positive transformation within the community.