Farrakhan: New education system needed

A civil rights leader from the USA wants to see all CARICOM members unite as one great nation and at the same time adopt a new form of education system that will inspire young and future generations to develop the region.

Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Chicago-based Nation of Islam, told a public forum last Saturday that Caribbean countries should pay greater attention to youth, including the type of education young people are receiving at school.

Describing the current education system as one that “promotes white supremacy”, he said that system prepares young people to see themselves has working for another instead of working towards developing themselves and region.

“You have to build a new education system that will take pride in showing the young people who they are. You need a new education system that will free them from their grip and put them in their rightful place,” he said.

He told the hundreds who had turned out to his inaugural speech in Grenada that young people who are not equipped to make their contribution towards the development of nation can become impatient and this can result in them displaying other anti-social behaviours.

“With 40 per cent of your people unemployed, it’s a recipe for revolution and young people are revolting,” said Farrakhan, who reminded the audience about the involvement of young people in uprisings in other parts of the world.

During his presentation at the Grenada Trade Centre, Farrakhan condemned the mistreatment and abuse of women; championed the need for greater black economic empowerment; and appealed for deeper Caribbean integration.

Grenada was the first stop on a seven-nation Caribbean tour. While in the spice island, he met Governor General Sir Carlyle Glean; Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and his Deputy Nazim Burke; and Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell. He also visited the Happy Hill Secondary School – the institution where a student lost his life due to a stabbing from another student. (LS)