Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs. (File photo)
PHILIPSBURG–As the Carnival season quickly approaches with jump-ups, pageants, calypso eliminations and parades ahead of the opening of the Carnival Village, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs stressed several key factors in a Carnival season address to the population on Thursday.
She said to the parents, “Keep your children close during the jump-ups and parades, and ensure they attend age-appropriate events. We are a community and we need to come together and be the village that raises the child. As Minister of Youth, I believe we must ensure our youth are not over-exposed to nor engage in the excesses associated with alcohol consumption and sexually suggestive conduct which seem to be accepted as the norm.
“Many youth do as they see rather than what they are told. Therefore, we must lead by example and display behaviour we can be proud of down the line for generations to come. As parents we must also set limits for our children and enforce them. Ensure that your children respect themselves and the laws put in place to protect.
“They must also be taught to respect others, including those who were entrusted with the task of enforcing and upholding the laws for a safe and prosperous community. In this also, we as adults must lead by example.
“Do not encourage drinking and negative behaviour in our youth. Make sure your children attend school regularly during this time and keep up with school assignments and responsibilities as well; that should be your and their first priority.”
To the youth she said, “Enjoy the activities that are being organized for you. In due time, your time for adult activities will come. There is no rush. With adult activities come adult responsibilities. Do not give in to the peer or adult pressure to drink or engage in other acts you know are inappropriate, as a decision made today can have serious or negative effects on you for the rest of your life.
“I encourage youth participation in cultural events like calypso and soca shows, pageants, as well as Youth Extravaganza and Junior/Teen Parades during this season. This fun is especially for you.
“We, the revellers, spectators and Carnival-lovers of St. Maarten must determine what our greatest cultural festival should portray. We should celebrate St. Maarten’s culture, music, artistry and creativity in a safe and fun way for the entire family to enjoy,”
Jacobs said she looks forward this Carnival season to great entertainment, inspired creativity, enticing cuisine and all-around togetherness and fun. She encouraged all Carnival-lovers, spectators and participants to be safe and to enjoy the festivities responsibly.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/64461-jacobs-focuses-on-parents-youth-in-carnival-speech
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