The Editor, Sir:

Nyron Blake wrote a letter to the editor on Tuesday, March 25, titled, 'Young people must change Jamaica'.

He spoke to the strength of young people all over the world creating change, throughout history. I agree with his sentiments. Unfortunately, we have been the victims of the past actions of previous generations. We are, therefore, intermediaries between the past and the future, challenged to make sense of it all.

There are many national youth organisations and youth clubs across the country. We have the National Secondary Students' Council, National Youth Council, Guild of Students (UWI) and the Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme, among others. The challenge before us is how we can strengthen working relationships among these organisations, to look not only at the specific issues of youth development in the present time, but also at national issues that will have future implications.

Youth & the political process

As a member of one of these groups, I am sure that ways will be found to institute positive and meaningful change. The challenges of the times demand it, and we have to move to include both the symbolic and substantive means of change.

We do need more young people in the political process and in our general political dialogue, but the virgin 'uncorrupted' vision that Blake spoke about can quickly become damaged, because those entering the political realm of the parties are forced to earn their stripes among judges and generals who are from another generation.

This may help to reinforce some very important core values of both parties, but it may also help to perpetuate the damaging culture of political tribalism.

Gangs & youth clubs

I feel the more united we become - not through structures and bureaucracy, but through action and organic working relationships - that we can truly make a difference. For example, in some communities, there is the 'gang' and also the formal youth club.

We must find a way to break any block that might exist between them, and find ways to transfer some of the frustrated passion displayed in gangs into firmly standing up and addressing issues that will make a positive difference.

I am, etc.,

MARK PIKE

National Youth Ambassador-at-large

Kingston