Youth unemployment figured prominently as the Bermuda Public Service Union joined organisations around the world in observing International Youth Day.BPSU acting president Jason Hayward said: “While this year’s theme is ‘Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward’, the BPSU is taking this opportunity to call on the Government of Bermuda to find ways of actively addressing challenges faced by youth in Bermuda.”He noted that the “unemployment rate for youth 16 to 24 years of age in Bermuda is currently around 36 percent”“This statistic is alarming and this demographic group within our population needs immediate attention,” said Mr Hayward.“The BPSU will not waiver on its commitment to the young workers within its members and will continue to raise the awareness on Bermuda’s tragic youth unemployment.”In the lead up to the last general election he reiterated a comment made by a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance.That candidate said: “Young Bermudians can’t afford another five years of rising unemployment and do-nothing Government. It’s time for change and our future depends on it.”Said Mr Hayward: “That statement was true then and it is still extremely relevant now. The time to have serious dialogue on the topic of youth unemployment is now.“It is the aim of the BPSU to ensure that unemployment and youth unemployment, in particular, is an agenda item that the Bermuda Trade Union Congress will bring to the Tripartite Economic Committee that is scheduled to be convened by the first week in September.” he said.“It is imperative that our youth are provided with adequate education, on-the-job training/development and access into the job market.”Meanwhile, Progressive Labour Party MP Michael Weeks issued a word of encouragement for young people to continue to pursue “academic and athletic excellence” yesterday.“Today, our thoughts go out to our young people who having completed their education, face few job prospects or entry level positions requiring years of experience, that they don’t have,” said Mr Weeks.“We pray that rather than becoming disenchanted, you will persevere and consider focusing on what you can do to create an opportunity for yourself. Whether starting your own business or identifying a service need in our community, you possess the talent and intellect to create your own employment.“To our young people presently in school, continue to pursue academic and athletic excellence, secure in the knowledge that there is a bright future ahead of you.“Begin to focus on how you can move our country forward and how you can make positive change,” he said.“There are those who remain caught up in crime, drugs and gangs. We must ensure that while punishment is swift and certain, we must also be willing to allow and encourage redemption.He concluded: “The youth are our future and we are but caretakers of Bermuda until the time comes for them to take the reigns. Let us commit to working for our children and the future of Bermuda.”