Former Port of Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing is welcoming the government’s decision to create a Ministry of Youth Development and National Service.

Mr. Lee Sing says this is long overdue.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced the details of the new Ministry after he was sworn in by the President last week.

He has named Member of Parliament for Laventille west Fitzgerald Hinds as Minister of Youth Affairs and National Service.

Mr. Lee Sing is commending the move.

Mr. Lee Sing has been a proponent of National Service for many years.

He believes it is one sure way of getting young people involved in activities, which can benefit the nation.

And Activist Garth St. Clair says he was elated by the development.

Mr. St. Clair says it will save many youth from a life of crime.

Speaking with Newscenter 5 yesterday the cohost of the Eye on Dependency program on i95.5fm also said it should not be optional.

National Service is defined as a system of either compulsory or voluntary government service, usually military service.