‘Youth must be co-creators for peaceful and sustainable Caribbean’ – Youth Ambassador
The Caribbean Youth Summit (CYS) 2023 commenced today, Wednesday, 22 November, at the AC Hotel Marriot, Kingston, Jamaica. Activities for the inaugural summit are being held under the theme: ‘Securing Our Future: Youth Co-Creating a Peaceful and Sustainable Caribbean Community.’
Mr Skakeem Howell, Vice Dean, Communication, CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme, Barbados, urged Caribbean youth to use their platform to effect change and end gender-based violence.
He also announced the establishment of the CARICOM Youth Foundation, which will provide the necessary support and resources to fuel the impactful work of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme and other regional youth development initiatives.
Read his remarks below.
Good morning.
It is truly an honour to stand before you today as we embark on the historical journey of the inaugural Caribbean Youth Summit, a visionary endeavour that has come to fruition through months of meticulous planning and dedication.
On behalf of Dean Tiffany Moore, Her Excellency CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Anguilla, and the entire CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps, I extend warm greetings to each and every one of you.
As we gather here in Jamaica, embracing the vibrant atmosphere of Youth Month 2023, we are reminded of the resilience and strength that define the spirit of Caribbean youth. Today marks not just the commencement of a summit but the ignition of a spark—a spark of renewal that promises to permeate throughout the fabric of regional youth development.
Our timing is significant, occurring in tandem with the 46th COHSOD-Gender Meeting in Barbados, where critical discussions are unfolding. The theme of this summit, “Securing Our Future: Youth Co-Creating a Peaceful and Sustainable Caribbean Community against Gender-Based Violence,” resonates deeply with the challenges and aspirations of our Region. It acknowledges the pressing need for transformative behaviours that only the dynamism of Caribbean youth can manifest.
We, the young people of the Caribbean, carry the power to effect change, to put an end to Gender-Based Violence, and to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and sustainable CARICOM.
In this pursuit of securing our future, we recognise the imperative need for a foundational structure that will uphold and sustain our collective efforts. Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that we announce the establishment of the CARICOM Youth Foundation. This foundation will serve as the bedrock, providing the necessary support and resources to fuel the impactful work of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme and other regional youth development initiatives.
As we celebrate thirty years of the journey under the theme “Connecting Youth, Advancing CARICOM,” the Caribbean Youth Summit epitomises the spirit of this theme. It unites the diverse and dynamic young minds of the Caribbean, fostering collaboration and innovation to advance our shared goals. Together, we embark on this transformative journey, co-creating a future where peace, sustainability, and equality define the essence of our beloved Caribbean Community.
In the words of the Declaration of Paramaribo on the Future of Youth in the Caribbean Community, let us “commit to fostering a sense of Caribbean identity, pride, and purpose among our youth.”
Today, we take a significant step towards realising this commitment. Thank you for your presence, your dedication, and your unwavering belief in the potential of Caribbean youth. The journey begins now, and together, we shall shape a future that reflects the resilience and brilliance of our Region.
Source: CARICOM TODAY