Ambassador Reverend Michael A. Steele, Esq.
The 6th Annual United Nations Human Rights Summit
August: 28th 2009
United Nations - Geneva Switzerland
Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, Members of the panel, Honorable Ambassadors, Distinguished Guests, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I bring you sunshine Greetings from the Island of Barbados, obviously being expressed here in Geneva - with the wonderful weather we are experiencing.
On the 17th September 2008 - The Honorable Prime Minister of Barbados made an address to -
The Forum to Promote Child Friendly Budgeting in the British Overseas Territories.
The Subject was: Invest in our Children today - Change our Tomorrow
Our Prime Minister - The Honorable David Thompson in his address stated a paradigm, which I refer to here as a premise for my discourse today:
[And I quote]
It is a well known fact - which has become a cliché - that what we do to and for our children today determines their tomorrows, and to a certain extent our tomorrows. Sigmund Freud was right when he said that “the child is father of the man”, and May I hastily add, “And the woman”. That is the premise with which all those who are making long-term plans must start. And that is certainly the principle on which my Government, which came to power in January 2008, is basing all its social policies. [End Quote]
On the 27th March 2009 - Dr. Mary Shuttleworth as part of her annual youth for Human Rights, world Tour came to our Island and had many important meetings with Government officials, NGOs, key business leaders and other individuals of good will.
The success of these meetings brought about Barbados’ appointment, as the 84th country, to partner with Youth for Human Rights international in teaching our Youth about Human Rights - Specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to inspire them to become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace.
Being the appointed Ambassador has laid upon me the duty to see that these teachings are upheld and encouraged in every conceivable facet of our community.
My wife Gillian who is a teacher at one of our Government secondary schools in Barbados is keen to work with me in this great undertaking.
We are pleased to present to you a young man - Kevin Webster a second year Law Student at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus Barbados, who was chosen as the youth delegate to speak as a voice from among the youth of Barbados.
We believe, Kevin has all the key attributes and the acumen needed, to stimulate and foster good relations with the youth of Barbados, pointing them in the direction of Peace and Tolerance.
In this regard, we also look forward to cultivating cohesive relations with the policy makers in our nation, which we are hopeful, will bring about the necessary changes within our constitutions, to make us a nation - who Don’t just speak of peace and tolerance as an aphorism, but by BEST PRACTICE has incorporated them into the very core of our ways of thinking.
In my sincere belief, Acknowledging, Teaching and implementing the message of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights MUST be made a reality for all nations.
As an Ordained Reverend I stand level, with my fellow brothers in acknowledgement of the need to preserve the nucleus of our accepted wisdom.
This being the case, we MUST ardently apprehend the fact, that as men and women of Goodwill, we have a Responsibility to all Humanity to grant due Benevolence.
September of the is year will see the launch of our mentoring program to gather mentors who are interested in seeing the youth of our Nation given the tools they need, empowering them, to become valuable advocates for peace and tolerance.
In February of 2010 Hope Transplant Ministries, will be officially launching Steele Trinity Youth Academy in Barbados - among the chief principles in our mentoring program, will be the teaching of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which will make up the foundation of our Academy.
Other facets of our lessons will be to educate them on the dangers of Drugs and enlighten them on HIV and AIDS.
We endeavor to teach our young people how to find a true Way to Happiness.
I encourage you to consider partnering with us in making Human Rights Education a MUST for those within the corridors of power to endorse.
However, Even greater a request to you hearing this message - that we continue to fight the good fight of getting our youth armed with the knowledge of THIS declaration.
It would be a shame if we are not mindful of the undisputed facts, that our NOW youth will undoubtedly be the leaders and policy makers of our nations and their success or failure as the adults of TOMORROW depends on OUR investments in them TODAY.
We fight not for ourselves alone, but for the youth who are full of ambition and purpose just hoping for investors, who will allow them the opportunity to be empowered to make the difference.
Talk is cheap - Making a difference cost -
In conclusion or rather - in this the beginning of Greater things to come, let me express my Sincere thanks for this opportunity to stand here before you today, firstly, to the organizers of this life changing event, which we believe will bring about the desired awareness.
Secondly, to the Government of Barbados for making this trip possible for me and Kevin, and for taking the stand to lead by example and not just lip service, in investing in the positive development of the nation’s youth.
And last but not least, to all those who WILL come onboard and make this fight for Peace and Tolerance one that is definitely winnable as we all put our hands to the plough and work fervently, together.
I do thank you.
Reverend Michael A. Steele, Esq.
Barbados
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