Barbados Youth Development Council
Shakeem Howell is a young professional, who is passionate about youth and social advocacy and has eleven years of Public Communications experience. He discovered his voice and love for advocacy as a student leader championing the rights of his colleagues when he addressed the forum at UN House for a series of Activate Talks on issues being faced by students in Barbados and the wider Caribbean and became a member of the UN Activate Talks. He holds certification in Project Management from The University of the West Indies Open Campus.
Howell’s love for service, swimming, and policy development, led him to be a part of numerous clubs, associations, and organisations. He is a former Executive Board member of the Social Justice Committee and National Youth Policy Coordinating Committee for the Government of Barbados and the League of Young Socialists and its UWI Chapter.
Shakeem is currently the CARICOM Youth Ambassador of Barbados, a United Nations UReport Barbados UAmbassador, and a UWI STAT Ambassador being a member of the Cave Hill Corps. He continues to follow his heart to guide his steps and passion for empowering people, this is just a bit as it relates to Shakeem’s journey as he always tries to keep a resilient mindset in order to accomplish excellence.
VD.ShakeemHowell,H.E.
Developing the Pillar of Governance in an institution is never an easy task, it requires constant communication between the branches of the organisation. Communication is for accessing the needs of the body in order to best cater to the needs of its members. As I seek to enhance the council's governance operations, I am seeking to expand the membership of the Executive from nine (9) positions to fifteen (15) functional roles thus creating the space needed for the additional human resources. These new roles shall enable the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) to: have better communication lines with General Assembly; and address key areas of focus in the new National Youth Policy of Barbados, such as sports, recreation, arts, culture, gender, and youth affairs. This Council has continued to evolve and now post-COVID-19 must evolve again to not just provide advisement on government policies and projects but to also nurture grassroots advocacy by aiding in the filling of the social prescriptions. The Council will develop the minds of our nation's children through positive engagement, offering the social skills needed to thrive in this life. I will help building a council for generations to come, shaping a solid foundation for our children to develop upon.
The Advancement of Advocacy by the strengthening of young voices. Youth across the Caribbean region and in particular Barbados tend to be told to be quiet, to be seen and not heard while in the company of adults. It has led to many young people being unable to express themselves effectively this has impacted the beliefs of many young adults who now carry the view that contributions and nonimportant and it is best to not share their views with anyone in person. While the youth have turned to social media to create spaces to be heard and engage with like-minded peers on a vast array of topics important to them however the level of influence needed on the officials to get action taken on issues impacting them is not always there in the digital realm. Training young advocates in areas such as Negotiations, Mobilization of resources and Project coordination can aid in boosting confidence in their abilities to activate movements campaign for cause in areas they desire to see change. Youth Driving Change will be a program that equips youth with the skills to execute transformative advocacy to impact meaningfuly.
Research is at the core of sound policy developments and growing the capacity of the council in order to collaborate with key stakeholders in conducting research is vital for the council as it needs data to help make informed decisions on resource allocations and to aid in access financing for various project the council may wish to execute. the development of the Barbados Infomation Map (BIM) program will help to close the gap of the lack of up-to-date research findings reports. This Program will indeed be an asset to the council while complementing the current relationship between the council and UReport Barbados. Giving policies life is one of the most challenging things to do when it is clear that the resources to do so are not available it is with this in mind that I will seek to develop with the executive a target map as we look to identify resource pool for the council to tap in to ensure its continued growth. Lobbying for the creation of a national developmental plan for young citizens ensuring that we have a compass to navigate our way forward
Volunteerism and social impact projects have always been a feature of the council's work; growing this pillar further to have a larger portfolio of work, will aid the council in actively engaging membership and boost participation within the council. The funding of projects"The Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) stands as a beacon of change through its emphasis on volunteerism and social impact projects. Committed to nurturing a culture of giving back, BYDC encourages young individuals to actively engage in community service and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through the development of a diverse range of social impact projects, the council shall empower the youth to address pressing issues affecting their communities, such as education, environmental conservation, and social equality. By actively participating in these initiatives, young Barbadians not only develop a profound sense of empathy and responsibility but also enhance their leadership and teamwork skills. As the BYDC continues to champion volunteerism, it fosters a generation of compassionate, socially conscious individuals who play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter and more equitable future for Barbados. "
Dear members, I want to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to read my manifesto. I poured my heart into every word, hoping to inspire, challenge, and provoke thoughtful discussions. This council has the potential to become a beacon of hope for all young people across Barbados and as such it is important that we now, more than ever, take a fresh approach to enhancing the livelihoods of our youth A reconstructed council for me shall respond to human needs through service and support ensuring that your voices are heard and your concerns addressed. Together, we can shape a better future. Your support is truly appreciated.
With heartfelt thanks, Shakeem Howell
