Strengthening the Youth Agenda: Saint Lucia’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Begin Their Term

Saint Lucia’s four newly appointed representatives to the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA) Programme have officially embarked on their mandate to represent the nation’s youth within the CARICOM agenda. Shelly Desir and Alens Plante have been named as the new Ambassadors, supported by deputies Davianne Alexander and Naeem Philbert. They will assume their responsibilities from August 1, 2025, through to July 2027.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme, established in 1993, is a flagship youth development initiative that engages young leaders between the ages of 16 and 29. Each CARICOM member state selects two ambassadors to advocate for youth priorities, serve as a bridge between young people and regional policymakers, and promote Caribbean integration. The programme has long been seen as a vital platform for empowering youth voices and shaping policies that affect their generation.

The introductory meeting for the Saint Lucian appointees was held recently at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, with discussions focused on “exploring innovative ways to strengthen youth involvement within the CARICOM agenda.”

Several key figures from the Ministry attended the discussions, including Dr. Uralise Delaire, Permanent Secretary; Rohan Lubon, Deputy Permanent Secretary; Lavorne Verdant–Desir, Youth Director; Nyron Tayliam, Programme Development Officer; and Clivus Jules, Sports Director. Joining via Zoom was Michele Small–Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana.

Dr. Delaire, who was present in person with the Youth Ambassadors, extended a warm welcome and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support. “We are here to show support for our CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, and we know the work they’ll be doing will synchronize with the Ministry’s efforts. Only last month, we presented our Youth Policy with its eight pillars, and I’m sure their mandate will tie in beautifully with Saint Lucia’s broader youth development goals,” she said.

She further added: “Our Youth Policy was wholesomely approved by Cabinet. These ambassadors aren’t starting from scratch; they have a solid foundation to build on. They’re not in this alone; they have the full support of the senior management team. Each one is already familiar with the Ministry through their involvement in the Youth Parliament. I’m pleased they had that experience as preparation for this role.”

The orientation marks the beginning of what promises to be an impactful term for the young leaders. With pressing issues such as education, climate change, mental health and youth employment shaping the CARICOM agenda, the Ambassadors are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring Saint Lucia’s youth remain at the heart of regional decision-making.