I am replying to the letter by Charlie Brown published on May 19 titled 'St Thomas Youth Need Help'. First, let me applaud the writer for "dedicating time and services in working with the youth in the parish" of St Thomas and for noting that the Youth Information Centres (YIC) that the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) operates through our Operation Phoenix Programme are "making a great difference in the lives of many" young people.

In addition to the five Youth Information Centres that the NCYD is currently operating in Kingston, Portmore, St Mary Portland and recently in St James, the parish of St Thomas is next to benefit from this imperative resource for youth development.

To date, two locations have been identified to host the YIC: one at the now-closed Good Year Factory and the other on land adjoining the Social Development Commission's Office, both located on the Springfield main road. Site visits have been conducted and proper protocol arrangements are already under way to formalise the agreement to set up a well-designed reconfiguration of four containers in the allocated space of approximately 467 square metres at the latter location. The project is funded by UNICEF and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009 calendar year.

career opportunities

Similarly, in St Ann, a YIC will be opened this summer at the Marcus Garvey Skills Training Centre and one in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, above the Social Development Commission's office. This will also be operational by the end of 2009. At the end of 2010, Manchester and Westmoreland will benefit from a fully constructed YIC which will be funded by the Korean International Corporation Agency.

All centres have youth-empowerment officers conducting regular sessions on issues such as health and overall wellness, career opportunities and entrepreneurship, technological advancement and academic and personal development. All YICs are equipped with a cyber centre with free Internet access and an environment conducive to study and research. Empowerment through YICs is only one of many services offered by the National Centre for Youth Development in each parish through the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports.

I am, etc.,

DANIA BECKFORD

Youth information specialist,

National Centre for Youth

Development

dbeckford@micys.gov.jm