PRIME MINISTER OF BARBADOS

MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE VOLUNTEERS

The declaration by the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming the Year 2001 as International Year of Volunteers has provided us with the opportunity to salute and extend our appreciation to all categories of voluntary organizations for the significant contribution that they have made to improve the quality of life of many of our citizens.

Volunteerism therefore has an integral role to play in the development of our nation. In several ways, voluntary service has complemented the efforts of government. Whether in the form of mutual aid or self-help, service to others, participation or advocacy, the tangible social and economic benefits are visible.

Voluntary service reinforces the crucial part that Civil Society must play both locally and regionally if we are to successfully meet the challenges of the global village in which we live - challenges which in some instances threaten the very core of our existence.

Volunteers impact on the lives of a wide cross section of the community and are able to use their skills and knowledge to influence other members of the society. It would be wonderful if all of our voluntary organizations from Cubs and Brownies to the Rotary Clubs and the National Organisation of Women would use their collective strengths to inform and educate others about the importance of evolving matters, including the Caribbean Single Market and Economy and the impact of the dreaded HIV/AIDS epidemic.

On the intemational scene, we have seen how voluntary groups have used their sphere of influence and their collective resources to bring attention to and in some instances, solutions to many issues affecting their fellow man. Volunteers are people who are committed, believe in their own strength and their ability to make a difference

In our own society, the work of the many voluntary organizations has been tremendous irrespective of their origins, whether community, religious or socially based.

Volunteerism is a noble cause and I want to encourage all persons, especially our young people to participate in some kind of voluntary activity. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture has recently taken the initiative within the schools to encourage our children to join an organization in the interest of their self development. This can be used as a starting point in promoting voluntary service. We need to rekindle the community spirit which embraces so many of the traditional values which are being lost at an escalating rate. Volunteerism gives us the chance to do this.

The celebration of International Year of Volunteers allows us as a nation to thank groups of tireless workers for their sterling contributions. As we reflect on their positive endeavours, we must build on their achievements realising that everyone of us has the potential to be a volunteer and can make a difference.

OWEN.S. ARTHUR
Prime Minister
May 08, 2001