Education Minister Claris Charles sees the need for investment to be made in Grenada's education system.
Speaking at the 2008 RBTT (Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago) Young Leaders National Awards Ceremony, Minister Charles said that investment in education is investment in the development of one's country, "the future of our nation."
The senior government minister congratulated RBTT for taking the lead in sponsoring the annual young leaders programme which is now into its 11th year.
"I am proud of the bank and other citizens in the private sector who invest in the education of our young people. Investment in education does not show profit tomorrow because it is a long term event," she said.
The Education Minister highlighted the importance of the theme, "Bridging the Gap... Building Relationships for a Better Tomorrow." She said there are several areas where the gap is bridged.
One of those areas she spoke of is gender relations where a lot of the young and older women take position of leadership. The 2008 RBTT Young Leaders Programme exploded societal concerns and proposed innovative and practical approaches for the way forward.
The RBTT Grenada Branch Manager, Lester Andall spoke of the young leaders project placing great emphasis on leadership and team work. He said the completion of a successful project required the full commitment of all the participants.
Andall used the occasion to remind those gathered for the awards ceremony of what leadership means. He said that leadership calls for the ability to work with others, and that the effective leader gets things done through others.
"Being a leader does not make you the boss of others. The effective leader sticks to his office with humility and dedication to his or her cause or calling," he added.
The RBTT Manager spoke of world leaders such as Mahatma Ghandi of India, Martin Luther King (JR) of the United States, and South Africa's Nelson Mandella being universally recognised as role model leaders.
Andall noted that these world leaders are seen as outstanding servant leaders of their time. "They served for social justice and provided outstanding visible leadership for the cause for which they are well known," he said.
The local bank manager challenged the young leaders to step up and lead by example and implored them to do what is right and ethical, and to serve their fellow citizens with love and humility.
