St Mary’s South MP Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon has marked International Youth Day 2025 by urging greater investment in skills, leadership platforms and regional exchanges for young people.

The global observance, held under the theme _“Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”_ , highlights the role of young people in advancing sustainable development goals. Simon said youth are “leaders, innovators and problem-solvers” who understand community challenges and have the energy to “drive real change.”

He stressed the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship and national development, and pointed to sports as a powerful tool for building teamwork, discipline and resilience.

Next week, Simon will lead a sporting and cultural exchange trip to St Kitts with athletes from St Mary’s South, aimed at giving them regional exposure and competitive experience. He expressed hopes of expanding the programme across the Leeward Islands to create “a network of youth who are confident, connected and ready to lead.”

Simon pledged to continue creating opportunities for young people in his constituency, adding that when youth thrive, “our whole nation — and our region — move forward.”