At the Opening Ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Saint Lucian youth advocate Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph called on regional leaders to harness the energy, creativity, and innovation of young people to accelerate regional integration.
Reflecting on CARICOM’s achievements, he highlighted significant milestones such as the Caribbean Court of Justice, the University of the West Indies, and the Community’s leadership in climate change, financial fairness, and reparatory justice as examples of successful regional cooperation.
Looking to the future, Augustin-Joseph encouraged the Region to:
– Advance freedom of movement;
– Strengthen food and nutrition security;
– Invest in agriculture and innovation; – Develop a Caribbean Artificial Intelligence strategy;
– Empower young people to help shape the Region’s future.
With CARICOM calling on youth to take on leadership roles, Augustin-Joseph championed the promotion of regional integration, stating, “The work of regional integration has never been to eliminate our differences. It has been to reconcile them, balance competing interests, expand the menu of benefits for all, and engage our people in the trade-offs that genuine integration requires.”
He affirmed that CARICOM’s future is bright, with its young people leading the way. Highlighting the importance of regional success, Augustin-Joseph noted, “It is this CARICOM that has created the Caribbean Court of Justice, ensuring that justice is cost-effective, of quality, and accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic circumstance.”
He also praised the University of the West Indies for educating generations of leaders and lifting families out of poverty while emphasizing CARICOM’s global advocacy on critical issues such as climate change and reparatory justice.
Youth as the Engine of Renewal
Augustin-Joseph underscored that CARICOM youth are already contributing to the narrative of integration through their ambition, mobility, and innovation. He shared a vision for the future, outlining pathways to progress that form a road-map for renewal. He advocated for freedom of movement, envisioning a CARICOM where citizens can traverse borders easily to pursue jobs, education, and opportunities, making regional unity meaningful for young people and families alike.
Turning to international partnerships, he stressed the importance of deepening ties with countries like Canada and nations in Africa. He called for these relationships to transcend aid and seasonal labor, fostering shared prosperity in trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. On food security, Augustin-Joseph urged leaders to view agriculture as a future opportunity rather than an outdated occupation. With fertile land, rich marine resources, and innovative farmers, CARICOM has the potential to transform agriculture into a pillar of resilience and prosperity for generations to come.
He further advocated for bold actions regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing that CARICOM must not fall behind as a passive consumer of technologies developed elsewhere.
“Let us develop a Caribbean strategy on Artificial Intelligence that invests in digital skills, safeguards our people, protects our data, supports Caribbean entrepreneurship, and ensures that technology serves humanity,” he asserted.
Augustin-Joseph concluded by stating that together, these pathways form a compelling narrative of renewal, placing youth, innovation, and shared responsibility at the heart of CARICOM’s journey forward. “CARICOM is no longer optional, idealistic, or confined to reports and commissions; it is existential. If ever there was a time to integrate, it is now,” he declared.
He urged CARICOM leaders to depart Saint Lucia with a renewed commitment to ensure that the next generation envisions its future through a CARICOM lens. He emphasized that CARICOM’s strength lies in its unity, principles, and most importantly, its youth, whose imagination and ambition are shaping the Community’s future.
Caribbean youth took centre stage at the CARICOM Youth Forum, engaging in meaningful dialogue and sharing innovative perspectives on the issues shaping the Region’s future. Their voices continue to play a vital role in advancing a stronger, more resilient Caribbean Community.
The forum also included a panel discussion, with panelists skilled in different fields, discussing pertinent issues with the gathering.