Currently, Jamaica is the only Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to include youth in its delegation to the United Nations General Assembly. For this, Jamaica must be commended, as according to the youth and the United Nations website, "youth participation leads to better decisions. It is an integral part of democratic society".

As director of foreign affairs for the Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students (JUTS), the onus is upon me to ensure Jamaica's unprecedented move is supported and maintained. Jamaica's youth ambassador to the United Nations General Assembly Odale Mulgrave, said in his address to the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on October 7, 2008, that it was his sincere hope we "build on the capacity of the UN's youth programme within the Caribbean region, allowing the youth of the CARICOM a greater stake in the formation of policies at the international level".

For this I call upon every educational institution, in Jamaica and the Caribbean, to "develop a cadre of young leaders to transition in key positions to meet the global challenges" (Odale Mulgrave) of our region and, by extension, the world.

Congrats doctor gomes

JUTS congratulates executive director and co-founder of Jamaicans for Justice, Dr Carolyn Gomes, on her achievement in receiving the UN Prize in the Field of Human Rights. We also echo the sentiments of Jamaica's consul general to Toronto, Anne-Marie Bonner, in expressing our sincere appreciation to the Canadian media for their dedication in highlighting positive news about Jamaica in 2008.

Once again, I urge each Jamai-can, regardless of age to do his or her part to secure Jamaica's future.

I am, etc.,

TAMEKA WILSON

izulekha@gmail.com

Director of Foreign Affairs

Jamaica Union of tertiary

Students