Student urges politicians to reflect on their roles

NEWLY ELECTED St George's College head boy, Jezeel Martin, has criticised some of the country's elected officials, charging that they do not provide inspiration for young people.

Martin said sometimes he is ashamed to hear some of the things elected officials say in public.

The school leader was speaking to The Gleaner shortly after the result of the election was announced during a church service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday to mark the start of the annual St George's Day celebrations.

"They don't really inspire young men to be like them. They are just there because of whatever political portfolio they have and the benefits," said the 18-year-old, whose tenure begins in September.

He suggested that the nation's elected officials go into a "pensive mood" to reflect on why they had sought public office, what had caused people to elect them," then "see if they measure up."

St George's College celebrated its 160th anniversary with a number of activities at the school yesterday.