Vincentian to Participate in U.S. Government Leadership Program

Kristy Shortte, administrative and research assistant at Sustainable Grenadines Inc., which is located on Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is traveling to the United States to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). She will take part in a three-week project on “Our Oceans” from March 14 until March 25.

During the program, participants will examine U.S. efforts to address coastal and marine management issues, particularly marine pollution, climate impacts on the ocean, marine protected areas, and sustainable fishing; will have opportunities to interact with youth and other stakeholders engaged in marine and coastal resources protection; share strategies to develop awareness and to integrate local level projects with regional and international marine protection and clean‐up efforts.

The program begins on March 14 in San Francisco, California and includes travel to Pensacola, Florida. It concludes in Washington, D.C.

The IVLP is the Department of State’s premier, professional exchange program. The program brings together emerging leaders in their respective professions to learn how U.S. experts in that profession operate and to share best practices with the other program candidates who hail from the same region and across the globe.