‘Reserve force’ mulled to tap youth potential
By ALISON ANIS
MINISTER for Community Development and minister responsible for youth affairs Dame Carol Kidu has backed plans to have a “reserve force” within Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to tap youth potential for nation building.
“As the minister responsible for youth, I will continue to support PNGDF in its strategic planning to develop a “reserve force” that can, amongst other duties, harness the energy and potential of our youth to form a force for nation-building,” Dame Carol said.
She said this yesterday in her address as the reviewing officer for the trooping of the colours parade by soldiers at Taurama barracks.
The parade marked the commemoration of the 57th anniversary of the First Royal Pacific Island Regiment (1RPIR).
Dame Carol was addressing PNGDF Commander Commodore Peter Ilau and other high profile military officers who were among the invited guests.
Family members of the Taurama regiment also turned out to witness the spectacular parade carried out by guards from each military faction.
She said although much focus has been for the future of the nation, the potential for the PNGDF to proactively influence nation-building has not yet been fully realised.
“Young people make up nearly half of our population, but they have become marginalised and frustrated and sadly are often seen as a problem for the nation,” Dame Carol said.
“We must see our youth as a potential solution to the problems we face and we must utilise all agencies of the Government to develop that potential,” she added.
Dame Carol said the National Youth Commission (NYC) which comes under the Department for Community Development has a staff of 34 and it is obvious that the NYC alone cannot implement the new 10-year national youth policy (NYP).
“I trust that the talks that have been progressing in this regard can be fast-tracked to lobby for a partnership programme between the NYC and the PNGDF with possible donor support using the PNGDF as a major implementing agency, along with other agencies such as education, health and community development for the new youth policy for our nation,” she said.
Dame Carol said otherwise, the NYP would remain yet another unfulfilled policy document.
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