C.Y.A. VIBE (May - July '14)

Special Edition

MAY - JULY 2014

ISSUE 2

CEBO WORKSHOP: An Anticipated Success The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps, in partnership with the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social

Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth, along with several financial institutions, will be hosting the first of a series of Creativity The CEBO Program, which has already taken place in for Employment and Business Opportunity (CEBO) Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Barbados, and Jamaica, begins in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

workshops in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

CEBO,

which

is

equipped

to

inspire

and

spark

July 21 – 26, 2014.

entrepreneurial interest, is designed for young CARICOM providing high-risk youth who have been nationals from all social, economic and educational sidelined with skills training in entrepreneurship. backgrounds. It has been created with the aim of bridging the Ambassadors Tamira Browne and Kishore gaps between young persons’ entrepreneurial aspirations and Shallow joined with Deputy Program Manager at regional integration.

the CARICOM Secretariat, Mrs. Yldiz Pollack-

The workshop is scheduled to run from 21st – 26th July, 2014 Beighle in highlighting the need for the in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The CEBO Program, implementation of this program and the sponsored by the USAID and CARICOM, was described by importance of local stakeholders’ collaboration the Honourable Frederick Stephenson, Minister of National for its success.

Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, It is highly anticipated that the CEBO workshop will reap benefits in the quest to help youth across Persons with Disabilities and Youth as CARICOM to create an entrepreneurial voice.

2

CARICOM Buzz Series addresses stinging topics The

CARICOM

Youth

Ambassadors

(C.Y.A)

Program: A regional network of youth “performing a dynamic and leadership role in the development and integration process by educating peers…”

In upholding this mandate, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee has efficaciously created and maintained its newest online initiative dubbed CARICOM Buzz.

The weekly series, hosted every Sunday at noon on popular social media site Facebook, is partnered with the C.Y.A Barbados Committee.

Q: What are the requirements for the CARICOM Skills certificate? Where do I apply?

The interactive, hour-long session invites persons to post questions or concerns on the Committees’ Facebook pages, which are then addressed by CARICOM Youth Ambassadors. In doing so, critical concerns raised by (usually) CARICOM Nationals are dealt with, while simultaneously providing the general public with

A: A CARICOM National who wishes to seek work in another Member State as a wage earner must apply for and obtain a CARICOM Certificate of Recognition of Skills Qualification from the designated Minister in either his/her home country, or from the host country. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, one may obtain a

information about the Caribbean Community in which

CARICOM Skills Certificate by applying at the Ministry

they live and work.

of National Security in the Office of the Prime Minister…

The Buzz Series, which began on June 22nd, 2014 has seen an interesting range of questions. Take a look..!

Visit CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG on Facebook for this and more on CARICOM Buzz.

sNAPSHOTS OF vINCY mAS 2K14!

Photo Credits: I Witness-News

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (S.V.G) Committee urges you to ALWAYS drink responsibly.

2

VIP Pix

C.Y.A (S.V.G) COMMITTEE UNDERGOES INTENSE 4-1-1 TRAINING! Ambassadors Tamira Browne and Kishore Shallow took the ideal opportunity to further equip their committee with knowledge on issues of CARICOM and its operations in a CARICOM 4-1-1 training day, held at the Beachcombers Hotel Conference Room on Saturday

Members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.)

21st June, 2014.

Committee participating in an ice-breaker activity at the

The session rightfully began with a historic overview of

4-1-1 Training Day.

the British West Indies Federation – the aim of which was to encompass the context and concept of regional initiatives, giving the participants a greater appreciation for the noble roots of regional cooperation.

The Committee was proud to welcome Ambassador Ellsworth John from the Regional Integration Diaspora

WHEN IT’S NICE, DO IT…THRICE! Quick Facts:

Unit to the informative and interactive session, to impart valuable

knowledge

to

the

young

participants.

Ambassador John’s segment, dubbed An End to

1.

2.

CARICOM Cuba Day is observed on December 8 to observe the diplomatic relations between CARICOM and Cuba.

Otherness, highlighted the benefits and challenges

Holders of the CARICOM Skilled

Ambassador Tamira Browne also shared at the training

National Certificate could live and

day on the topic Sub-Regionalism in the Caribbean: The

work

Case of the O.E.C.S, which gave an assessment on the

in

any

associated with regional integration and the essentials for the amalgamation of the small island Caribbean states.

participating

view that the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

CARICOM country indefinitely.

3.

(O.E.C.S), consisting of nine (9) member states, has been

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy

(CSME)

is

the ‘deepest’ attempt at integration ever witnessed by the

the

Caribbean.

Community’s strategy to reverse

Shanika John, Public Relations Officer for the

the negative impact of globalization

Committee, expressed that the session “would change

and deepen social and economic

the way I look at the Caribbean forever.”

development and improve the

The session concluded with a quiz to assess participants’

quality of life for all nationals.

understanding.

3

Try a healthy alternative!

Sunrise Tea Smoothie Ingredients 2 bags mint-flavoured green tea ½ cup diced mango ½ cup diced papaya 2 tablespoons simple syrup (see recipe below)

SAY “NO!” TO ALCOHOL:

½ cup ice

C.Y.A launches Anti-Alcohol

Juice from 1/8 of a lemon

Campaign

Directions

With Vincy Mas 2k14 being promised to be bigger, brighter and more exciting, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

(S.V.G)

Committee

conveniently

launched an Anti-alcohol Campaign. The group of enthusiastic youth understood the consequences of alcohol-influenced decision-making, and armed with slogans such as I AM TOO WISE TO MESS UP MY LIFE, THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK and HAVE FUN, BUT NOT DRUNK, as well as pictorial depictions of an alcohol-free life, the Committee

1. Steep tea in 1 cup boiling water for 3 minutes.

2. Combine tea, ¾ cup cold water and remaining ingredients in a blender. Blend until cold and frothy.

Simple Syrup Ingredients 2 cups water

provided daily reminders to the public via social media

2 cups sugar

to remain sober for the carnival season – and beyond.

Directions

The campaign also included video clips, where

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce

committee members urged their peers to be wise and

heat, simmer for 5 minutes and let cool

make

(makes about 3 cups).

responsible

decisions

regarding

alcohol

consumption.

SPECIAL REMINDER “Such lifestyle factors such as cigarette-smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, little physical activity and low dietary calcium intake are risk factors for osteoporosis as well as for many other noncommunicable diseases.” – Gro Harlem Brundtland

Ambassadors attend CSME Advocacy Workshop CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Kishore Shallow and Tamira Browne answered the call, along with over twenty Youth Ambassadors, and are ready to advocate the benefits of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (C.S.M.E).

On May 29 – 30, 2014, the two participated in a two-day CSME Advocacy Workshop in Guyana. There, they were exposed to training in media interviews, public speaking, CSME operations and creating youth-friendly messages in order to fulfill their commitment to share what was learned during the workshop, to peers and communities.

Irwin

Ambassadors Tamira Browne and Kishore

LaRocque – who referred to the Youth Ambassadors as

Shallow at CSME Advocacy Workshop in

CARICOM’s

Secretary-General,

Ambassador

“champions” - advised the participants at the workshop to

Guyana.

ponder on how they can best disseminate the message to the

The CSME Advocacy Workshop was hosted

masses, as they are critical instruments for the attainment of

by the CARICOM Secretariat in conjunction

regional integration and gratification of the CSME’s

with the Tenth European Development Fund.

mandates.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was established in 1989 under the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Program for the Advancement of Integration movement, when Heads of Government voiced their yearning for shared prosperity amongst Member States, primarily by allowing the free movement of goods, services, people and capital – a Single Market, and a Single Economy!

There are 15 Member States. Ready? Set? Go! Antigua & Barbuda

Haiti

The Bahamas

Jamaica

Barbados

Montserrat

Belize

St. Lucia

Dominica

St. Kitts & Nevis

Grenada

Suriname

Guyana

Trinidad & Tobago

This issue’s watch word is

Coalesce “To come together to form one mass or whole.”

…and St. Vincent and the Grenadines!

5

REGIONAL YOUTH FORUM In Quito, Ecuador 2012, 40% were in the range of 15 to 24 years old.

Working groups were required to critically discuss, based on expert opinions and delve into possible recommendation

-

which

ranged

from

entrepreneurship and mentorship, to comprehensive policies and employment opportunities for the disabled.

Education was another issue which was brought under

the

microscope,

Ambassador

Browne

outlined. Statistics arising from these discussions suggested that 71 million adolescents of lower Youth Ambassador Tamira Browne, who also serves as Vice Dean, Regional Initiatives.

secondary school age, are not receiving formal

Ambassador Tamira Browne, in May 10th – 15th, 2014,

be receiving an acceptable (high) quality of

had the golden opportunity to travel to Ecuador to take

education.

part in a Regional Youth Forum – the objectives of

examined, some of which brought to the forefront

which were to assist in the empowerment of

the importance of internships, gender equality in

adolescents and youth to safeguard a sustainable

education, scholarships and bursaries and the role of

future and to promote more youth dialogue and

extra curricula activities.

inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Ambassador Browne relayed that the discussions

by 2015 – and beyond.

were “quite healthy and encouraged participation

In Quito, Ecuador, Ambassador Browne congregated

from the cross section of representatives.”

with other youth leaders to deliberate on youth-related

The recommendations from the Regional Youth

issues, namely: Employment and labour; health;

Forum were to be presented at the Youth Forum of

violence; education and youth participation. In the

the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in

discussions, distinct attention was paid to women,

June 2014.

education – and those who stay in school, may not Again,

recommendations

were

afro-descendant populaces, indigenous and tribal peoples,

HIV/AID

communities,

persons

with

disabilities, drug users, street/sex works, the oppressed and migrants and refugees.

Still to come…

Discussions on youth unemployment highlighted that of the estimated 197 million unemployed people in

* ‘I AM CARICOM’ * Committee Members excel!

6

CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ (S.V.G) COMMITTEE MEMBERS STAY INVOLVED Youth Ambassador Tamira Browne and P.R.O of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ S.V.G Committee, Shanika John, took part in a follow-up session for disaster preparedness and management – hosted by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

The project, which was hosted in collaboration with UNDP Barbados, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DIPECHO), was held under the theme Early Systems: Community Alerts workshop from 4th to 5th June, 2014. The objectives were to enhance national

disaster

awareness

and

the

appropriate

preparation and response operations.

In January of this year, the organization hosted a two-day Public Relations Officer of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee – Shanika John

Community Alerts Project, which was attended by Miss

…………………………………………

Hadaway following the 2013 Christmas Floods which

John and fellow CYA Committee Member, Shernell affected various OECS member states.

The

CARICOM

Youth

Ambassadors’

(S.V.G)

Committee continues to participate in nation-building using every available faucet.

**** The

CARICOM

Youth

Ambassadors’

(S.V.G)

Committee boasts to be a vibrant group of young, talented ladies and gents! On 12th April 2014, the ladies stepped up to the plate and volunteered their services and time at the Phenomenal Woman Conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Seen here (from left to right), are Committee Members Shernell Hadaway, Ayana Solomon, Arielle Junelle Quow-James and Donique Billingy, standing with founder of the Phenomenal Woman Conference (center), Karen Hinds.

7

Leading by Example: MALE CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADOR TAKES ON NEW ROLES Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador S.V.G, Kishore Shallow, was elevated to the role of Vice Dean, Information and Communication. Kishore took up the new appointment from June 1st 2014.

In this new role, he is expected to be the lead person in disseminating information from the CYA Corps and to strengthen the communication system already in place, with new strategies to publicize all initiatives by the Youth Corps. A key focus of the Vice Dean of Information and Communication is to sensitize the public at large about CARICOM. CYA Kishore would employ the technologies available such as websites, social media and WhatsApp to carry out his duties. He would also be coordinating various public forums to engage persons in interactive discussions about topics related to unifying the region and youth

Youth Ambassador and Vice Dean of Information and Communication (CYA Corp), Kishore Shallow

CYA Kishore is the youngest President in the

empowerment.

history of S.V.G Cricket, and also the youngest President for any cricket association across the

Kishore is Cricket President CYA Kishore Shallow on May 24th 2014 became the President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA). He was elected unopposed in a

region. He expressed his appreciation and elation by the confidence trusted in him by the affiliates: “It is an honour to be given such an opportunity at my young age to make a

special meeting called by affiliates of the association.

difference in my country. This is indeed a great CYA Shallow in his capacity of President would lead an executive of 10, and would be tasked with the full operation of cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A broad scope of his duties includes: Development of local

sign for the belief in youth, and it is definitely a step in the right direction. I embrace this responsibility with utmost enthusiasm and optimism,” the new President declared.

cricket, development of players (male and female), and executing regional and international tournaments on

The

CYA’s

S.V.G

behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board.

congratulations, and best wishes to Kishore in his tenure as President!

8

Committee

extends

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee Members are involved.

You can be involved too…!

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Young Professionals Association (SVGYPA) is a non-profit organization started by a group of like-minded young persons. SVGYPA was ultimately founded to encourage future leaders through professional development, networking, and social opportunities. The organizations’ Mission reads: “To establish a resourceful, sustainable, and inclusive society that supports the growth, learning, and development of young professionals and entrepreneurs.”

The organization was launched on 4th May 2014, the theme of which was Building Blocks for Success, and the keynote speaker was Vincentian Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle, the first black woman in the world to complete a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Miami.

Chairman of the SVG Young Professionals Association, Kishore Shallow, spoke in contentment following the launch: “It is an amazing accomplishment to have successfully launched SVGYPA after over one year of planning. The notable turn out at the launch is substantiation that there are persons with progressive mindsets willing and ready to engage in constructive programs,” said Shallow. He further complimented his other nine Board of Directors who he mentioned, “have worked tremendously hard to bring this idea to fruition.”

SVGYPA will be hosting developmental seminars, mentorship and business incubator programs and more. The organization now formally extends invitation for membership. Requirements for membership, along with application guidelines are available at www.svgypa.org.

9

Ambassador

Browne

inspires

hundreds!

“We have control of the choices we make, but we have no control over the consequences of our choices.”

This timely reminder resonated at the St. Vincent and the

“It is not a case of CARI-COME and CARI-GONE -

Grenadines Community College Graduation Ceremony on

CARICOM is here to stay. We must continue to run

24

June, 2014. The featured speaker was Youth

the race. Through those of us strategically positioned,

Ambassador Tamira Browne, giving noble advice to the

we must ensure that the merit of CARICOM never

graduates in what many may consider to be a spirit-moving

goes away but that together all generations alike can

th

resound “I AM CARICOM, YOU ARE CARICOM,

address as Female CARICOM Youth Ambassador.

and WE ARE CARICOM!” – Excerpt from

In another spasm of encouragement, she added that “knowledge is not simply just power, but with our full potential, we must ensure that knowledge is used to expand our horizons.”

CARICOM Day Message 2014 On 4th July 2014, CARICOM celebrated 41 years since signing the Treaty of Chaguaramas! To celebrate the momentous achievement, the CYA

The S.V.G Community College’s graduation theme was ‘Education unlocks Potential; Dreams become Reality’.

Corps saw it fit to ensure that all CARICOM nationals identified themselves as members of CARICOM. In a burst of creativity, the Ambassadors

embarked

on

the

I

AM

CARICOM campaign.

With

a

3-minute-long

audio-visual

video

smeared across all social media site, the Ambassadors brought the vision of an integrated region to life. Students in Anguilla, lawyers, athletes, radio personalities and entrepreneurs all joined together to declare WE ARE CARICOM! The video highlighted that no matter the member state, level of education or profession, all must join forces and skills to create the ideal Caribbean Community. It was a perfect reminder that WE ARE CARICOM!

10

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 CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG @cyasvg

11