A delegation of young leaders from Trinidad and Tobago visited the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown on Monday, where they engaged with regional officials on youth development, leadership and the importance of Caribbean integration.
The 22-member delegation from the Sangre Grande (Cunapo) Development Foundation, comprising members of the Foundation’s executive and Youth Arm, toured the Secretariat before participating in discussions aimed at strengthening their understanding of the Caribbean Community and its role in shaping the Region’s future.
During the engagement, CARICOM Secretariat officials outlined the organisation’s work and highlighted opportunities available to young people through regional initiatives, including the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme and the CARICOM Young Professionals Network (CYPN). The programmes are designed to encourage youth participation in regional affairs while developing leadership skills and fostering greater collaboration among young professionals across CARICOM member states.
Officials also encouraged the delegation to stay engaged with the Community by following CARICOM’s official digital platforms to remain informed about issues affecting Caribbean citizens.
The discussions also focused on the importance of international relations, diplomacy and regional cooperation, with participants urged to develop a broader understanding of global issues and the role Caribbean integration plays in addressing shared challenges.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Youth Arm Leader Jay Ann John underscored the significance of the engagement, describing it as a valuable learning experience for the delegation.
Meanwhile, Foundation Chair Eric Taylor reflected on what he described as the transformative impact of the visit, noting that the discussions provided the young leaders with greater insight into CARICOM’s work and the opportunities available to them within the regional integration movement.
The visit forms part of CARICOM’s ongoing efforts to engage young people across the Region and promote greater awareness of the Community’s institutions, programmes and initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation of Caribbean leaders.
