CYA Vibe (April - July '15)

0

In this

edition: plus

AMBASSADOR SHALLOW:

AN INTERESTING JOURNEY #askSG: LIVE CHAT WITH

AMBASSADOR IRWIN LAROCQUE

CARICOM Youth

Mr. Calvert Jones, Owner and Chief Design Consultant

Ambassadors

of the Vincentian-based company McAllister Designs,

Rep’ Orange Day

Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee remind the general

skillfully used his camera to help the CARICOM Youth

public that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.

The 25th of each month has been declared ‘Orange Day’ by the United Nation’s Secretary-General’s Unite to End Violence against Women campaign. The day is used to encourage governments and advocates to take action and shed light on issues crucial to preventing and ending violence against women and girls.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee (C.Y.A.) responds to this call every month through the use of social media.

C.Y.A. Committee Members and Paragon Model Management

Orange Day culminates on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

To commemorate Orange Day for the month of June, the C.Y.A. Committee partnered with the Paragon Models to host a photo shoot, geared towards raising awareness on the issue of violence against women and girls and its prevention.

Attired in different shades of orange and armed with printed

still to

come:

MALE CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADOR IS PANCAP PARTICIPANT;

Lower Kingstown, adjacent to the Youth Affairs Department

CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEMBERS DONATE BLOOD;

(St. Vincent) on Friday 19th June, 2015.

MESSAGES FROM THE AMBASSADORS;

signs, the C.Y.A. and Paragon Models took to the streets of

SNAPSHOTS: AMBASSADORIAL SCRAPBOOK

Vice Dean, Ambassador Shallow Attends Local Capacity Initiative Project Meeting Representatives

#askSG

Adopted from today.caricom.org

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Host Live Forum and Interaction

from the various Caribbean Civil Society

Youth from across the Region, as well as the Caribbean

Organizations assembled in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this

Community (CARICOM) diaspora got the opportunity to engage in a live social media interaction with the CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque, on 29 June, 2015 for two (2) hours. The event was hosted prior to the Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Barbados.

year to discuss the Local Capacity Initiative (LCI) project – a three-year initiative that comprises Pan Caribbean Partnership (PANCAP) receiving fund to provide grants to local community service organizations in countries funded by the President’s

Emergency

Programme

for

AIDS

Relief

(PEPFAR) for activities such as policy advocacy, programme implementation

and/or

building

a

financially diverse

organization.

The meeting, coordinated by PANCAP/PEPFAR, was facilitated at the Health Economic Unit of the University of the West Indies on the 28th and 29th April, 2015. The meeting’s objectives were to unite regional organizations that support the work of key populations in advocacy and policy to create Youth Ambassadors with CARICOM’s Secretary synergy with the project and the PANCAP’s Justice for All programme, and agree on target countries.

Ambassador Shallow found the meeting to be productive and fruitful, highlighting that “PANCAP, over the years, has successfully driven many initiatives to counter the presence of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean region, and this project is another demonstration of their commitment.” The Youth Ambassador further said that he was appreciative of the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Caribbean youth: “The invitation for a youth representative echoes loudly the realization of the critical role of the young people in this process, and I must commend the Director of PANCAP, Mr. Dereck Springer and his organization on such consciousness. On behalf of the youth of the Caribbean, I speak confidently in saying that we are ready and able to play our role in having a safer and healthier region.”

The seminar, chaired by Mr. Dereck Springer, was funded by PEPFAR and USAID.

General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Under the topic ‘Entrepreneurship: CARICOM’s Economic Life-jacket’, Ambassador LaRocque addressed key concerns posted on social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Skype, from persons as far as London. The Secretary General, in responding to the questions raised by the participants, said that entrepreneurship was indeed the life-jacket for CARICOM’s economic survival. He said entrepreneurs should be allowed to flourish and their ideas should be allowed to blossom. He highlighted that with CARICOM governments being under such tight fiscal regimes, employment through traditional means was sometimes unavailable.

Other matters including the successes of CARICOM, the Haiti/Dominican Republic dispute and reparations were also discussed during the forum.

The initiative was organized and executed by the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors under the leadership of Vice Dean for Communications, Mr. Kishore Shallow, with support from former Youth Ambassador, Mr. Dwayne Gutzmer (Jamaica). Vice Dean for Regional Initiatives, Ms. Sade Jemmott, and Youth, Mr. Mosiah Hoyte (Barbados), also played a crucial role in organizing the event.

CARICOM’s Summit Deemed A Success Caribbean leaders came together for CARICOM’s 36th Heads of Governments’ meeting. The event, which is held twice a year, was hosted by Barbados from 2nd – 4th July, 2015 under the theme “Leveraging CARICOM’s Human, Cultural and Natural Assets for the Economic Development of the Community.”

According to CARICOM’s Chairman and Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Freundel Stuart, representatives from the fifteen (15) Member States discussed three (3) main issues affecting the region including: Energy; bolstering educational systems to build the social and economic resilience of countries, and border concerns, namely the existing conflict between Guyana and Venezuela and humanitarian crisis in Haiti “created by the actions of the Dominican Republic.

Also discussed was the access to concessional development financing for Small Island Developing States.

The Member States that comprise CARICOM are: Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; Montserrat; St. Lucia; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados’ Prime Minister, Hon. Freundel Stuart, assumed chairmanship of CARICOM for the period 1 July to 31 December, 2015.

All Hands On Deck!

CARICOM FEMALE YOUTH AMBASSADOR ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES SHANIKA JOHN

As young people we tend to take a back seat and depend heavily on our leaders to create opportunities for us. We fail to realize, our important role in regional integration and how the decisions made can affect us greatly. We have an important role to play in building our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and this should never be taken for granted.

In 1999, the Secretary General, Mr. Edwin Carrington, in a press conference where he addressed the national and regional media in Guyana, made an appeal for greater progress in developing Caribbean Community. On this occasion, he made a call for “All Hands on Deck.”

The Secretary General stressed the need for higher priority to be given to Community Matters by Member States. The process of education and sensitization must continue locally and with more intensity to create the ripple effect at the regional level for even greater results.

Too often, we as young people will turn a blind to a number of issues affecting our Community or we depend heavily on the government’s input. Imagine how much more we can get done if we all played our part.

I challenge you to ask yourself, what can I do to help make a difference in my Community? Do I keep abreast of what is happening locally and regionally? Do I share my opinions on social media about issues that affect us? These are but a few questions that you can ask yourself. This allows us to deepen integration at the local level, getting it right at home. It also gives first-hand experience and a clear understanding of integration and propels us to become greater advocates and actors in the process while appreciating the efforts of our leaders.

Let us, as future leaders, fully understand and appreciate our Caribbean Community. It is then that we can fully own “I am CARICOM, you are CARICOM, we are CARICOM!”

CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADOR’S TENURE COMES TO A REMARKABLE ‘END’ A M B A S S A D O R S H A L L O W: A N I N T E R E S T I N G J O U R N E Y He was highly appreciative of the opportunity and skills received at the workshop. At the end of the final day, the young man promised to expand his fruits and ital stall to a restaurant one day.

CEBO has changed the mindset and lives of many young persons across the region, including S.V.G. ‘Big up’ to the entire CEBO family!

My desire to become a CARICOM Youth Ambassador (C.Y.A.) was driven by passion to serve the youth of our beloved St. Vincent and the Grenadines (S.V.G.), and to learn more about CARICOM. The C.Y.A. journey began in August 2013, when I received my orientation in Suriname, during CARIFESTA XI. Deputy Program Manager, Youth Development (CARICOM Secretariat), Mrs. Yldiz Pollack-Beighle, made it clear that our eight days in Suriname were for strictly work, and our roles were assigned. There and then I realized that this was going to be an interesting journey. The following two years would have lived up to this expectation.

As CARICOM Youth Ambassador, I embraced the opportunities to not only engage the young people of S.V.G., but also to represent their priorities with distinction. Fortunately, I was able to measure my representation and performance provided. One such example that hinted I was doing something right was my appointment as Vice Dean of Information and Communication at the end of my first year. In this role, I was charged with leading the Information and Communication component of the C.Y.A. Corps.

There were many highlights throughout my tenure: I met and interacted with some brilliant minds in the region, establishing networks that cannot be disconnected. A standout feature of my two years is my involvement in two CEBO workshops in S.V.G. and Grenada. CEBO stands for Creativity for Employment and Business Opportunity, and was geared towards exposing youth, mainly the underprivileged, to skills of an entrepreneur. I remember having a conversation with a participant in Grenada who considered himself to be a ‘ghetto youth’.

Another important milestone for me, and by extension the Caribbean youth, was my appointment to the Regional Commission on Marijuana. As a Director, I joined with other colleagues, including Vincentian-based Justice Frederick Brucelyle, on the deliberation of decriminalization of marijuana in Caribbean countries. The actualization of having a youth’s perspective on such a project is a reflection of the confidence and commitment that CARICOM has for the young people of this region.

There are many other initiatives that CARICOM has and continues to use to engage young people. The C.Y.A. Corps often plays an integral part in these initiatives. The enthusiasm for youth participation in critical matters of the Caribbean Community was recently echoed by a successful social media interaction with Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

The opportunities for young people in the region are many: academic scholarships, projects, seminars, training, sports, and more. I am cognizant and understanding that at times, these opportunities may seem clouded or invisible, but I must reiterate that they are available. My advice is to maintain a positive mindset, and continue to search and explore the prospects.

As indicated earlier, I have collaborated with many constructive individuals throughout my tenure as C.Y.A. I trust that these engagements would have sparked positive impacts in S.V.G., and by extension the Caribbean Community. It was certainly an interesting, and fruitful journey. As Mrs. Pollack-Beighle puts it, “once a C.Y.A., always a C.Y.A.” I pledge to continue lending my unwavering support and service to the people of our very blessed St. Vincent and the Grenadines and uniquely beautiful Caribbean.

KISHORE SHALLOW, CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADOR

C.Y.A. Committee Donates Blood WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

By Jamel Providence

On

Friday 12 June, 2015, the CARICOM Youth

Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee took a bold step

Public Relations Officer of CYA Committee, Jamel Providence

towards donating blood at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital’s Blood Bank (Kingstown, St. Vincent).

This action was taken in commemoration of World Blood Donor Day that was recognized on Sunday 14 June, 2015.

According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), the theme for this year was, ‘Thank you for saving my life’, under the slogan, “Give freely, give often. Blood donation matters.”

It focused on thanking blood

donors who saved lives through their blood donations and strongly encouraged more people all over the world to donate blood regularly.

Public Relations Officer of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’

(S.V.G.)

Committee,

Mr.

Jamel

Providence, was among those present for blood donation.

Blood Donor at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, 12 June, 2015

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee Launches

Digital News Stand The CARICOM

Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee

launched its digital news stand on 9 July, 2015 on social media site, Facebook, and electronic publishing application, Issuu.

The Committee’s Digital News Stand, spearheaded by the subcommittee of the Publications Officer, is an online location of a collection of brochures, newsletters and graphical content on a variety of topics and themes that affect or are influenced by CARICOM Member States. The first article, Suicide: Awareness & Prevention, was geared towards raising further awareness of the social issue of suicide and includes features such as the causes of suicide, and handy tips on how to approach someone who may be deemed as suicidal. The article was inspired by the recent spurt of suicide cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and neighbouring CARICOM countries.

Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Kishore Shallow, observed that it is the first that such an initiative is being undertaken by Committee members, and that he is extremely proud of the launch of the C.Y.A.’s (S.V.G.) Digital News Stand.

“It is always a privilege to have young persons involved in

FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOUR

TABLE

INGREDIENTS:

communities. I fully endorse this initiative and look forward to sharing the upcoming articles,” C.Y.A. Shallow commented.

Female CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Shanika John expressed similar sentiments. Publications Officer, Chelcia Ferdinand, Sabiya Francois, and Dexter Whinfield - members of the Publications Committee who worked assiduously in the launching of the Digital News Stand - reiterated their commitment and dedication to ensuring the sustenance of the initiative.

New articles are expected to be featured bimonthly, before the quarterly publishing of the Committee’s newsletter, C.Y.A. Vibe.

CONCH SOUSE METHOD:

2 lbs. Conch

Celery

1 Onion (medium)

Sweet Pepper

1 Cucumber

Hot Pepper to Taste

2 Limes

Salt to taste

Parsley

helping to combat the issues that are of concern to our

Clean away slime from conch using salt and lime. Pound conch well,

this helps to make it tender. Boil until tender. Prepare pickle using

cucumber, onion and other seasoning. Cool conch and cut into small

pieces. Put into pickle. Decorate with parsley.

C.Y.A. Committee/Ministry of Foreign Affairs Forge Working Relationship Committee and Executive

members of the CARICOM

Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee convened with Trade Officers and Director of Trade, Mr. Cuthbert Knights, in an effort to forge a relationship between the Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology as it relates to CARICOM/CSME issues.

“Mitigating the Challenges Facing our Youth:” This was the topic of the discussion on St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ NBC Radio’s program, Views on Issues on Sunday 26 July, 2015. The panel comprised of CARICOM Deputy Female Youth Ambassador, Denisha

Hector;

Coordinator

of

National

Reconciliation, Ms. Degra Michael and Founder of the Director of Trade, CARICOM Female Youth Ambassador and CYA Committee Members and Trade Officers

Kenville Horne’s Sporting Academy and Queen’s Young Leaders’ Awardee, Mr. Kenville Horne.

It was noted that youths, who are considered to be

Among the issues discussed were future plans of networking between the two entities to promote and advocate benefits of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and CARICOM

between eleven and thirty years old and make up 63% of CARICOM’s population, are critical to the survival of the structures within CARICOM, such as CSME.

Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the role of the youth in advancing CARICOM/CSME. Members of the C.Y.A. Committee expressed a sincere interest and desire to work along with the Ministry where regional integration efforts are concerned.

The meeting, which took place at the Ministry on Friday 24 July, 2015, was chaired by Mr. Cuthbert Knights and attendees included CARICOM Female Youth Ambassador, Ms. Shanika John; Deputy CARICOM Female Youth Ambassador, Ms. Denisha Hector; Public Relations Officer of the C.Y.A. Committee, Mr. Jamel Providence; Publications Officer, Ms. Chelcia Ferdinand; Trade Officer (CARICOM Single Market and Economy Focal Point), Ms. Sylvonne Jack and other Trade Officers and Committee Members.

Moderator and Panelists on NBC’s ‘Views on Issues’

[Continued]

[Continued] Among the challenges listed by the panelists were: unemployment; poor parenting; sexual, drug & alcohol and domestic abuse; peer pressure, and lack of youth empowerment.

Several suggestions and possible solutions addressing these challenges Committee’s

were put

forward by C.Y.A. (S.V.G.)

Representative,

Ms.

Denisha

Hector,

including the need for greater promotion of the parenting classes currently done by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the need for parents to emphasize a respect for God by children, a need for more community-based groups and active role models to offer guidance in the case

The

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (St. Vincent and the

Grenadines) foster an environment of excellence and encourage the members of their Committee to participate in community and

of absent or delinquent parents. A call was also made for persons to offer more support to youth businesses, such as easier access to loans to foster an entrepreneurial spirit to help combat unemployment.

The program, ‘Views on Issues’, was moderated by Youth

personal development ventures. Here are a few noteworthy accomplishments: 1. CARICOM Female Youth Ambassador, Ms. Shanika John, was awarded an academic scholarship to further

Officer of the Youth Affairs Department (St. Vincent and

For Your Benefit…

the Grenadines), Mr. Philcol Jeffers.

her studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

2. Dr. Racquel Wilson, long-standing member of the Committee (2012 – present), completed her Medical Degree in July 2015 and was chosen to serve as a mentor in the Queen’s Young Leader programme.

3. Ms. Chelcia Ferdinand, Publications Officer of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee (2013 – present) was elected Vice President Public Relations of the Imperial Champions Toastmasters Club (St. Vincent) to serve in the Toastmasters’ year 2015 – 2016.

4. J’nee Francois, a member of the C.Y.A. Committee and Publications Committee, now serves as a Legal Clerk in the Litigation Department.

25.06.15 | Orange Day Photo Shoot

01.05.15 | Vermont Nature Trail Hike

25.06.15 | More Orange Day Shots!

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (S.V.G.) and their Committee thank you for your continued support. Look out for our next issue!

CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ (S.V.G) COMMITTEE

Youth Affairs Department Rose Place Kingstown St. Vincent and the Grenadines E-mail: yadsvg@gmail.com | caricomyouthsvg@gmail.com Facebook: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG Twitter: @cyasvg