News

Dean of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Youth Ambassador Programme and Youth Ambassador for the Cayman Islands, Vanessa Burke, joined other Caribbean youth leaders in discussions on the region’s developmental issues and youth participation in national life at the recently concluded CARICOM Youth Forum held in Bahamas.

The Forum, held on 13 to 14 March at the Baha Mar Convention Centre under the theme, “One Youth, One Voice,” was supported by the CARICOM Secretariat and the Government of the Bahamas. Some of the topics addressed by the youth ambassadors, career diplomats and leaders in the public service during the interactive panel discussions included sustainable development, entrepreneurship and climate adaptation.

During the Forum, Ms Burke joined a panel on “The Role of Youth in Diplomacy in which she emphasised the power of digital platforms in amplifying youth voices, breaking barriers and ensuring inclusivity, particularly for marginalised communities. Burke encouraged young people to use technology positively, not only to connect and mobilise but also to actively engage in shaping discussions and policies that affect them. 

In addition, she also took part in a bilateral meeting with CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon, along with members of the Bahamas Youth Ambassador Corps in which they explored how young people across the region can play a larger role in CARICOM’s policymaking. The Bahamas Youth Ambassador Corps has strategically created pathways for young leaders to engage with international organisations such as CARICOM, ensuring that youth voices are represented at the highest levels.  

Events in the margins included the launch of a national proposal for a Regional Mangrove Planting Day and a school visit to the Junior Sailors Programme at the Uriah McPhee Primary School. It is anticipated that the Regional Mangrove Planting Day campaign will highlight the significance of mangrove forests to regional ecosystems and commemorate CARICOM’s ongoing efforts in climate adaptation and mitigation. 

On invitation of the Bahamas Ambassador At-Large, Ms Burke also toured the St. John’s College where she met with students, faculty and administrators to discuss youth leadership, education, and advocacy. 

In reflecting on her involvement in the event, Ms Burke stated, “I would like to commend the Government of The Bahamas for their heartfelt support to youth. It is empowering to see how they have enabled young people to take their place on the global stage and in regional decision-making," “I also encourage the leaders of the wider Caribbean to continue supporting youth-led initiatives, so we can work together to advance our region. I am grateful for the continued support of the Cayman Islands Government in empowering youth leaders like me to make a difference.”

The CARICOM Youth Forum took place one month after the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government held in Barbados.