It is with great pride and satisfaction that I write my last article in these columns on behalf of the PNM’s National Youth League. It has been a rewarding and pleasurable experience.

The mission

This column would not have been possible if not for the vision of the Guardian in providing a platform for youthful expressions.

Critical in undertaking what can be considered a new exercise was the support and confidence of the league’s executive, its members and the leadership of the party.

Writing these articles over the past 22 months has been a challenge. As much as the effort brought joy, it indeed was a great deal of work, from which growth and development emerged.

It was an experience which required one to ensure utmost responsibility and character as the articles sought to influence, give expression to youth perspectives and represent the national interest, whilst doing justice to the youth league.

However, whilst the youth league relishes this medium of communicating our message, ours was never about appeasement and pacification, but the gut. We wrote as we thought and how we viewed particular events and issues. We used the mighty pen to challenge our society and ask for inward reflections on important matters of state.

Yet, it was done because you the people read and kept reading and challenging us for more, thus raising the bar a notch.

The people

Therefore, we acknowledge those dedicated readers who make it their business to read the editorial pages first thing every Friday morning and to respond with their views via e-mail.

Those contributions, in whichever form they came, whatever the remarks, did in fact help. We were fully aware that not all readers would agree with our views, but nevertheless we wrote because it was important that we did.

At one time I was asked, “Do you believe in what you write.” My response was that it came straight from the heart. The articles reflected the wider feelings of the youth society, they spoke of a genuine need for a revolution in the way of life as currently exists in T&T. Of paramount importance, it was about T&T.

Here’s what some of you had to say:

You should know, the current government needs the a b c d e f g and much more about leadership; so do you (Sel).

Your article appeared and as I read it at my desk in NYC, I laughed so hard I thought I would pass out. I surely identified with everything (except “de yard.” It is true, it’s for boys…hehehe). I began to reminisce about an ice cold Green Sands (which I’m sure they’ve stopped making, so I’ve resorted myself to Carib Sorrel Shandy), for they were so, so good (Karyn Cardenez).

Sometimes it’s difficult to talk to some family members because all they do is see it as Indian against black…but then I see it on the other side of the spectrum (chatting with close friends of mine of African descent). I hope the youth of the nation do not inherit the hate which their parents hold in their heart (Vashti Goolcharan).

I read your last two articles in the Guardian, and they were actually bordering on insightful. Maybe the younger PNM league has some intelligence that the older PNM members are lacking. Congratulations (Kamini Maharaj).

I have read your writings, criticised some but you never fail to amuse me! Let me see how you will react to this one.

I teach at a university in the US and I want to come back home to help you guys and help my country at the same time. How do I do this? How do I get a job? If you are really concerned about the PNM and winning again you will need people like me. Get me a job and I will fly back home in the morning (Dr Chris Mahadeo).

Flight of the Ibis

This experience I liken to Apostle Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7).

It was nice, but I cannot do it twice. I am gone as of next week. The new chairman and education officer will take over as the baton has already been passed.

Goodbye to all our wonderful supporters and readers, many thanks to those who assisted with research material and otherwise in the early day.

Special thanks to the Guardian for the faith and confidence in the power of youth. Thanks to all members of the PNM Youth League and other youth NGOs for everything which was possible. Thank you, T&T.

Contact NYL with comments at nylcolumnguardian@yahoo.com or Editorial Committee, National Youth League, Balisier House, #1 Tranquillity St, Port-of-Spain. Joel Primus is chairman of the PNM’s National Youth League