Youth Equipped to Understand Legal Rights and Responsibilities

A youth symposium designed to help young people deepen their understanding of the justice system has expanded from Saint Lucia to Grenada, where over 100 young people are now better equipped to understand their legal rights, responsibilities and the role they can play in building safer, stronger communities.

Young people in attendance were eager to ask questions following the presentations

Hosted by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) in partnership with the Justice Education Society (JES) through the Judicial Strengthening for the Eastern Caribbean (JES-EC) Project, the programme builds on the success of the inaugural Youth Symposium held in Saint Lucia last year.

Hon. Chief Justice Margaret Price-Findlay presenting on the court system in Grenada and the ECSC

Supported by funding from the Government of Canada, the symposium “brought together young people from Grenada, alongside virtual participants from across the Eastern Caribbean, for a day of practical learning, meaningful dialogue and civic engagement with members of the judiciary, legal professionals, law enforcement officers and community leaders,” according to a press release.

Corporal Michael Readhead of the RGPF presenting on community-based policing and combatting cyberbullying

Participants explored issues affecting their lives and future opportunities, including:

– Understanding the justice system and the role of the courts
-Entrepreneurship and business law
– Estate planning and property rights
– Mediation and conflict resolution
– Cyberbullying and community policing
– Gender-based violence
– Making positive life choices

Youth Participants from the New Life Organisation

A few of the youth participants get a photo op with Chief Justice Price-Findlay

“One of the symposium’s greatest strengths was the opportunity for young people to engage directly with judges and justice sector professionals—asking questions, sharing perspectives and gaining practical knowledge that will help them make informed decisions and become active, engaged citizens,” the release stated.

Youth Participants at Grenada Youth Symposium

Master of Ceremony, Sacha Courtney with a lucy prize winner

The initiative will continue in Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, as part of a push to strengthen legal literacy.

Mrs. Lyndel Archibald, Project Director from the Justice Education Society, delivers remarks

Mr. Evlyn Sylvester of His Majesty’s Prisons spoke passionately about making positive life choices

Said JES: “We are proud to work alongside the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, with the support of the Government of Canada, to improve access to justice and equip the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to shape more just, inclusive and resilient communities.”