The Caribbean Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CR-CYMM) themed “Youth participation at the heart of national development” in Antigua and Barbuda is being attended by representatives of the Turks and Caicos Islands April 28 – 30 2015.
Minsters, Youth Leaders and other senior officials from Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean will address regional and global youth development challenges and opportunities.
The Minister responsible for Youth Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Hon. Akierra Missick travelled on Monday accompanied by Mr. Donte Francis, National Youth Ambassador and Miss Garde Alleyne, a member of the Ministry team and volunteer with the Youth Department.
Participants will discuss policy responses to issues such as youth employment and entrepreneurship, participation in civic and political processes, the role of young people in peace building, and the professionalization of the youth work sector.
Hon. Missick noted; “Given the initiatives currently being undertaken at home, I am looking forward to exposing our young people to networking opportunities and to other ideas aimed at youth development within the region.
“As Minister I recognize the key role that young people have in the development of countries and so issues such as, their involvement in economic development, entrepreneurship and having a voice in the decision making process, are all relevant issues to the Turks and Caicos Islands and ones which we hope to gather further insight and of course share information that is unique to us.”
The young delegates Alleyne and Francis, were equally excited at the prospect of representing their country and being able to share information not only at the conference but on their return. Said Alleyne “I think it is a huge privilege to be able to represent the country and the Ministry and I am thankful for the opportunity.” While Francis, no stranger to representing TCI said; “I hope to do a lot of networking and get some ideas for youth projects for TCI”
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj added; “The Caribbean has one of the youngest populations in the Commonwealth, with more than 60 per cent of people aged 29 years or under. This makes this generation an enormous asset to the region’s development – not just tomorrow, but today.”
The Minister underscores this sentiment and has reinforced her commitment to ensure that youth affairs is strengthen. We look forward to their return and for the opportunity to hear from them on this conference.