opportunities, by speakers at the 13th annual Heritage Youth Service.

"Your greatest weapon, your greatest strength will be your education and having a faith on which to depend,'' Mr. Anthony Whaley advised those at the National Stadium. "I am confident many of you do care enough to make positive choices.'' The lawyer said it was up to parents and teachers to provide "inspiration, encouragement, hope and motivation'' for today's youths.

"I urge you to respect your parents and your teachers,'' he said. "Pay attention to what your parents and your teachers have to say. Many of your choices stay with you for a lifetime. What you do as a youngster does matter.

Focus not on passing pleasures, but on eternal values.'' Mr. Whaley also spoke of the pleasures that could be achieved through extra-curricular activities "I encourage you to seek wisdom and education, but also to enjoy sports and other extra-curricular activities,'' he said.

Earlier, Minister of Community & Cultural Affairs the Hon. Leonard Gibbons likened youngsters to a Turkish carpet, nurtured and guided by their mothers instead of weavers.

"(Mothers provide us with) the moral codes that guide us and teach us the difference between right and wrong,'' he said. "Every young person before me is unique and very special.

"Be alert to the opportunities around you,'' he said. "If the door of opportunity is ajar, push it open. If it is locked, knock.''