Amid public concerns that youth are the main perpetrators of violent crimes in the country, the educator reminds citizens to also remember the many momentous achievements of Saint Lucia’s youth. 

“It is unfortunate that at many occasions when the young people are doing positive things such as representing the island internationally, regionally, sporting events, and others, that they do not get that recognition. They do not get that applause,” she lamented.

Dr Mayer urges citizens to post about the youth’s many feats online, as opposed to only highlighting the negative things.

“And we can sit here and argue it's not happening, but my point is we can all make a difference. So when we see those Facebook pages with that kind of celebration, like that as well.”

Dr Mayer also noted that youth must be pushed in the ways needed to realise their full potential. She said the education system must be tailored to provide more vocational training to students.

She says she is pleased to see increased government investment in skills-based education.

“I am privileged to see a lot more investment in education that speaks to skills-based development, and I think that that is a fantastic thing that's happening, and so I applaud that and wish that it can continue to reach the many children who so deserve it and will certainly benefit from it,” she said.

She reminds the public that all occupations are tremendously important for the development of society, adding that the stigma against certain types of jobs must stop.

“And it's all well and good to have what we call the traditional professions that parents wish their children to be in, the blue-collar. The lawyer and the doctor and the nurse and the teacher, they need the electricians and plumbers and the AC repair individuals. They need the mechanics. They need the body men. We need street sweepers. So whatever it is that an individual can do effectively, hopefully, we can provide the learning environment that speaks to their interest and be able to push them.”

So far, four secondary schools have begun the transformation to TVET learning centres.  These schools are the Anse Ger Secondary School, Grande Riviere Secondary School, Piaye Secondary School, and Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School.