Youth Panel in St. Lucia Speaks Out on Paths to Peace
Castries, St. Lucia – In observance of the UN International Day of Peace, UPF-St. Lucia held an online conference with five youth leader panelists on September 22, 2026. Each had prepared an 8-minute presentation, in which they shared their thoughts, insights and vision on the theme “Transforming the Future through Fostering a Nation of Love and Peace.” The five presenters came from diverse fields of society and approached the topic from varied and complementary perspectives.
Ms. Cathy Antoine, a mechanical engineer, served as MC. She warmly welcomed the panelists and explained about the International Day of Peace established by the United Nations in 1981. She quoted the preamble of the UNESCO Charter: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." She added, “We are all aware that creating a culture of peace requires concerted efforts from individuals, communities and institutions. It involves both cultivating personal attitudes of peace and advocating for systemic changes.”
Mr. Remy Taupier, president of UPF-St. Lucia, expressed deep appreciation that these five panelists had taken the time to prepare and present their thoughts and insights, despite busy schedules. “I believe we all desire to live in a nation of love and peace,” he said. “That is our dream, isn’t it? Many are working hard to make it happen, but there are also many who remain passive observers, or who think, ‘I cannot do anything.’” He praised the young leaders for putting their ideas into action.
Mr. Zaccheus Wilson, a natural sciences teacher, said, “There was a time when spiritual and religious values occupied a much more central place in many of our homes and communities.” He pointed out that different faith traditions shared common teachings, “an emphasis on love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, respect, service and peace. These were not merely words spoken in a place of worship; they were supposed to become principles by which we lived.” He pointed out that such shared values are important in maintaining peaceful communities.
Ms. Davia Reynolds, a massage therapist, stressed the importance of listening to others. “Imagine the difference we could make in our communities if we took the time to truly listen to one another, understand each other’s experiences, and resolve our differences without violence. We could create a much more harmonious environment for everyone.”
Mr. Brian Fraser, a police officer with the road safety department, stated, “Peace is not a static agreement signed by world leaders in distant halls; it is a living, breathing practice. It begins quietly in the human heart, is nurtured around the family table, is practiced daily across our communities, and ultimately shines through the identity of an entire nation.”
Ms. Neilann Fredericks, a college student and Miss Teen St. Lucia 2025, remarked, “Today, social media gives young people a powerful voice. With one post, comment or video, we can reach hundreds of people. We can use our words to heal or to hurt, to encourage or to embarrass, to promote unity or to create division. So, before we post, comment, share, or respond, we should ask ourselves: Am I adding peace to this situation, or am I adding more conflict?”
Ms. Darcy Vigier is general secretary of the Youth Advisory Network under the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. She pointed out, “Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow. Young people are leaders today. We are creating businesses. We are creating music. We are producing art. We are playing sports. We are volunteering. We are advocating. We are building organizations. We are influencing conversations. We are raising families. We are already shaping the society around us.
“So, if we want a peaceful nation, we cannot simply tell young people to behave differently. We have to give them reasons to hope. We have to give them opportunities to participate, opportunities to learn, opportunities to work, opportunities to create and opportunities to believe that their lives have value and that they have a place in the future of this country.”
