PARIS, France — The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange told the UNESCO General Conference that the lingering effects of slavery continue to have an adverse effect on the development of Small Island Developing States such as Jamaica.

Grange, who was delivering her statement at 39th General Conference of UNESCO now underway in Paris, France, said that the global threat of climate change had added to the challenge of achieving sustainable prosperity.

 “As a small island developing State, we are in constant confrontation with the impact of climate change and the inequities of global economic systems that often result in serious social and psychological damage for our people.  Add to that the residue of slavery and colonialism, and you get a prescription for disaster of one kind or another which we must constantly strive to mitigate,” Grange pointed out.

The minister said that in response to this situation, the Government of Jamaica would continue to focus on deepening the involvement and participation of youth in national affairs; creating new strategies and programmes reflecting lifelong learning, education for all, and quality education for success; as well as promoting higher incidence of youth employment in the cultural and creative industries sector.

She also said Jamaica stands ready as a member of the [Executive] Board to assiduously fulfill the mandate and contribute to strengthening the work of UNESCO.

“It is our view that UNESCO carries a heavy burden of responsibility to assist in tackling various global economic and political crises and in finding solutions that will promote sustainable development for all,” Grange said.