19 Vincentians sworn in as CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

Nineteen young Vincentians have been sworn in as CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA).{{more}}

On July 30, 15 of the committee members recited the pledge of the CYA, at a swearing in ceremony at the Paradise Beach Hotel conference room in Villa.

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors make up a regional network of young Caribbean nationals, mandated by CARICOM heads of governments to advocate for, and educate young people about regional priorities, such as HIV/AIDS and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Ambassadors are expected to address youth issues at a regional level, as well as bring national issues to the attention of the region’s policy makers and planners. They are to be equipped with information, knowledge, skills, attitudes and resources and provided with opportunities to participate in decision making and program policy development at a regional level.

The programme is coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat, and facilitated at the national level by the ministries responsible for youth affairs, and implemented through multiple networking and collaborative relationships with various stakeholders.

At Monday’s swearing in ceremony, Minister of Youth Affairs Frederick Stephenson described the CYA programme as an important initiative, spearheaded by the young people of the region.

He called on the inductees to live up their expectations as ambassadors, and to adhere to the pledge which they made.

“I want to challenge all of you; you are going to be placed in high esteem, persons are going to look at you and emulate you and you cannot let us and yourselves down. As you go through the region as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, there will be certain courtesies that will be extended to you; you cannot be less, you have to be who you are… Advocate on our behalf.”

“We want a cadre of young persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines and in the region, who can advance the whole mechanism for the continued development of what our Prime Minister constantly calls our Caribbean civilization.”

“So, you are not only the leaders of tomorrow, you are the leaders of today; you must understand that you have a very important role to play in not only national development, but also regional development and international development as well.”

Also charging the ambassadors was Youth Officer Anastacia Harry, who encouraged them to make a difference in their homes, communities and work places, and when necessary, on the regional level.

“If your chance comes to be the chosen youth ambassador to be attending these meetings… your responsibility is to show what St Vincent and the Grenadines is doing for the youths. So, prepare yourself and always be in tuned with what’s happening…”

The inducted members Natesha Alexander, Lauren Ash, Cameisha Bascombe, Ariane Baynes, Jamal Browne, Vatalie Caesar, Julae Charles, Raven Cruickshank, Emil Dougan, Shernell Hadaway, Alika Jones, Sanyu Phillips, Latoya Pope, Rachael Quashie, Kishore Shallow, Zonnia Shallow, Rolicia Spence, Bex Williams and Racquel Wilson.

The event was chaired by another of this country’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Tamira Browne.(JJ)