Minister of Financial Services Hope Strachan urged the St. John’s College High School graduating class on Tuesday to make the right choices.
Minister Strachan, who is also a former graduate of St. John’s College, told the graduates that it is very disappointing that the nation’s youth must be subjected to a steady diet of crime; however, their choices can change that reality.
“What causes people to risk their independence and the joys of freedom for a life of confinement and misery,” she said.
“What value is there in being locked in a cell or broken and cut off from opportunity?”
The minister called it a choice that defies logic.
“More than 1,551 men and women have chosen this life. Please note that every time you make a choice you make a change, a change that affects you and those around you.”
Minister Strachan also addressed the issue and importance of obtaining a job.
“We’ve all heard about the high unemployment rate in this country,” she said.
“In fact unemployment is high on a global scale, youth unemployment is even worst. At last count 35 out of every 100 youth were unemployed. Getting a job is a big thing and it is a good thing. It pays the bills, and it helps us to plan for our future.”
She concluded by reminding students that moving forward, creativity, innovation and positivity are the order of the day.
“I congratulate each of you in this class of 2015,” she said.
“You have run the course. You have kept the faith. You have finished the race and today we all celebrate you and we celebrate your victory.”