it could be motivational or spiritual. be there for them in good and in difficult times. you must be their biggest cheerleader. and you must show them they can achieve what may seem impossible, and encourage them to persevere and stay the course. parents, you have a tremendous role to play if your children are to be the best they can be. they are counting on you. the byac is counting on you. i am counting on you. and finally, to you students, this nti / byac programme is like the mustard seed. it's small but could mushroom into something huge by unearthing or creating the many vocational and technical skills this country needs to build new industries or expand existing ones to propel barbados'economic growth and development. so, students, this programme is not only contributing to your personal development but is also supporting national development seize the opportunity and in doing so i urge you to set your goals, have a vision, work hard, give back, and lean into the challenges ; see them as opportunities. i believe in every single one of you. i know you have what it takes to achieve great things. so, embrace these principles, visualise your success, and most importantly, believe in yourself. the future is yours - go out and make it amazing and be the best you! as you hear the nti say, just press forward. 5 / 5 bis - central bankers'speeches

generous person will prosper ; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed ". lean into a brighter future as you stand at the threshold of a new chapter in your life, i know it can feel overwhelming. there are so many challenges out there - peer pressure, crime, and even self - doubt. but here's the good news : you have the power to rise above it all. see all of these challenges as opportunities. you've been given a second chance to improve your education. you can lean into a brighter future by embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination, like i did so many moons ago at the alleyne school, at hc, and at university level. you can start by setting specific, achievable goals that align with your passions and interests, ensuring you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish. investing time in your studies, seeking help when needed, and actively participating in class can help you make the most of your days at the bcc, sjpi or bimap. beyond the classroom, you should explore extracurricular activities and vocational training that align with your interests, which can provide valuable skills and experiences. building positive relationships with teachers, mentors, and peers can offer support and guidance, making the journey more manageable and rewarding. by maintaining a positive mindset, staying focused, and being resilient in the face of challenges, you can transform this second chance into a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling future. it won't always be easy, but with resilience and determination, you can achieve greatness. 4 / 5 bis - central bankers'speeches conclusion thank you for letting me share my journey with you to show we are all capable of being better. a special thanks to the nti for working with byac to conceptualise and execute this programme that gives our young people a second chance at life in an era when they face such uncertainties, difficulties and negativities. as i said at the beginning of my remarks, i got a second chance as a teenager and have proven through my success that people deserve another opportunity to be able to press forward. to the parents in the room, i urge you to fortify your support for your children as they begin a new chapter. they are taking advantage of this second opportunity to improve their fortunes. they will need all the help they can get to stay on track and not falter. that support could be financial. or