2

CEBO WORKSHOP:

An Anticipated Success

providing high-risk youth who have been

sidelined with skills training in entrepreneurship.

Ambassadors Tamira Browne and Kishore

Shallow joined with Deputy Program Manager at

the CARICOM Secretariat, Mrs. Yldiz Pollack-

Beighle in highlighting the need for the

implementation of this program and the

importance of local stakeholders’ collaboration

for its success.

It is highly anticipated that the CEBO workshop

will reap benefits in the quest to help youth across

CARICOM to create an entrepreneurial voice.

ISSUE 2 MAY - JULY 2014 Special Edition

The CEBO Program, which has already taken place in

Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Barbados,

and Jamaica, begins in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

July 21 – 26, 2014.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps, in partnership

with the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social

Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with

Disabilities and Youth, along with several financial

institutions, will be hosting the first of a series of Creativity

for Employment and Business Opportunity (CEBO)

workshops in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

CEBO, which is equipped to inspire and spark

entrepreneurial interest, is designed for young CARICOM

nationals from all social, economic and educational

backgrounds. It has been created with the aim of bridging the

gaps between young persons’ entrepreneurial aspirations and

regional integration.

The workshop is scheduled to run from 21st – 26th July, 2014

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The CEBO Program,

sponsored by the USAID and CARICOM, was described by

the Honourable Frederick Stephenson, Minister of National

Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs,

Persons with Disabilities and Youth as

2

CARICOM Buzz Series

addresses stinging topics

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (C.Y.A)

Program: A regional network of youth “performing a

dynamic and leadership role in the development and

integration process by educating peers…”

In upholding this mandate, the CARICOM Youth

Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee has efficaciously

created and maintained its newest online initiative

dubbed CARICOM Buzz.

The weekly series, hosted every Sunday at noon on

popular social media site Facebook, is partnered with

the C.Y.A Barbados Committee.

The interactive, hour-long session invites persons to post

questions or concerns on the Committees’ Facebook

pages, which are then addressed by CARICOM Youth

Ambassadors. In doing so, critical concerns raised by

(usually) CARICOM Nationals are dealt with, while

simultaneously providing the general public with

information about the Caribbean Community in which

they live and work.

The Buzz Series, which began on June 22nd, 2014 has

seen an interesting range of questions. Take a look..!

Q: What are the requirements for the CARICOM Skills

certificate? Where do I apply?

A: A CARICOM National who wishes to seek work in

another Member State as a wage earner must apply for and

obtain a CARICOM Certificate of Recognition of Skills

Qualification from the designated Minister in either

his/her home country, or from the host country. In St.

Vincent and the Grenadines, one may obtain a

CARICOM Skills Certificate by applying at the Ministry

of National Security in the Office of the Prime Minister…

Visit CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG on Facebook for this and more on CARICOM Buzz.

sNAPSHOTS OF vINCY mAS 2K14!

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (S.V.G)

Committee urges you to ALWAYS drink responsibly.

Photo Credits:

I Witness-News VIP Pix

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C.Y.A (S.V.G) COMMITTEE

UNDERGOES INTENSE 4-1-1

TRAINING! Ambassadors Tamira Browne and Kishore Shallow took

the ideal opportunity to further equip their committee

with knowledge on issues of CARICOM and its

operations in a CARICOM 4-1-1 training day, held at

the Beachcombers Hotel Conference Room on Saturday

21st June, 2014.

The session rightfully began with a historic overview of

the British West Indies Federation – the aim of which

was to encompass the context and concept of regional

initiatives, giving the participants a greater appreciation

for the noble roots of regional cooperation.

The Committee was proud to welcome Ambassador

Ellsworth John from the Regional Integration Diaspora

Unit to the informative and interactive session, to impart

valuable knowledge to the young participants.

Ambassador John’s segment, dubbed An End to

Otherness, highlighted the benefits and challenges

associated with regional integration and the essentials

for the amalgamation of the small island Caribbean

states.

Ambassador Tamira Browne also shared at the training

day on the topic Sub-Regionalism in the Caribbean: The

Case of the O.E.C.S, which gave an assessment on the

view that the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

(O.E.C.S), consisting of nine (9) member states, has been

the ‘deepest’ attempt at integration ever witnessed by the

Caribbean.

Shanika John, Public Relations Officer for the

Committee, expressed that the session “would change

the way I look at the Caribbean forever.”

The session concluded with a quiz to assess participants’

understanding.

CARICOM Cuba Day is observed

on December 8 to observe the

diplomatic relations between

CARICOM and Cuba.

1.

2.

3.

Holders of the CARICOM Skilled

National Certificate could live and

work in any participating

CARICOM country indefinitely.

The CARICOM Single Market and

Economy (CSME) is the

Community’s strategy to reverse

the negative impact of globalization

and deepen social and economic

development and improve the

quality of life for all nationals.

Members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.)

Committee participating in an ice-breaker activity at the

4-1-1 Training Day.

WHEN IT’S NICE, DO IT…THRICE!

Quick Facts:

With Vincy Mas 2k14 being promised to be bigger,

brighter and more exciting, the CARICOM Youth

Ambassadors (S.V.G) Committee conveniently

launched an Anti-alcohol Campaign. The group of

enthusiastic youth understood the consequences of

alcohol-influenced decision-making, and armed with

slogans such as I AM TOO WISE TO MESS UP MY

LIFE, THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK and HAVE

FUN, BUT NOT DRUNK, as well as pictorial

depictions of an alcohol-free life, the Committee

provided daily reminders to the public via social media

to remain sober for the carnival season – and beyond.

The campaign also included video clips, where

committee members urged their peers to be wise and

make responsible decisions regarding alcohol

consumption.

SPECIAL REMINDER

“Such lifestyle factors such as cigarette-smoking,

excessive alcohol consumption, little physical activity

and low dietary calcium intake are risk factors for

osteoporosis as well as for many other non-

communicable diseases.” – Gro Harlem Brundtland

SAY “NO!” TO ALCOHOL:

C.Y.A launches Anti-Alcohol

Campaign

Try a healthy alternative!

Sunrise Tea Smoothie

Ingredients

2 bags mint-flavoured green tea

½ cup diced mango

½ cup diced papaya

2 tablespoons simple syrup (see recipe below)

½ cup ice

Juice from 1/8 of a lemon

Directions

1. Steep tea in 1 cup boiling water for 3

minutes.

2. Combine tea, ¾ cup cold water and

remaining ingredients in a blender. Blend

until cold and frothy.

Simple Syrup

Ingredients

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

Directions

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce

heat, simmer for 5 minutes and let cool

(makes about 3 cups).

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CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Kishore Shallow and

Tamira Browne answered the call, along with over twenty

Youth Ambassadors, and are ready to advocate the benefits

of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (C.S.M.E).

On May 29 – 30, 2014, the two participated in a two-day

CSME Advocacy Workshop in Guyana. There, they were

exposed to training in media interviews, public speaking,

CSME operations and creating youth-friendly messages in

order to fulfill their commitment to share what was learned

during the workshop, to peers and communities.

CARICOM’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin

LaRocque – who referred to the Youth Ambassadors as

“champions” - advised the participants at the workshop to

ponder on how they can best disseminate the message to the

masses, as they are critical instruments for the attainment of

regional integration and gratification of the CSME’s

mandates.

Ambassadors attend CSME Advocacy Workshop

The CSME Advocacy Workshop was hosted

by the CARICOM Secretariat in conjunction

with the Tenth European Development Fund.

Ambassadors Tamira Browne and Kishore

Shallow at CSME Advocacy Workshop in

Guyana.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy

(CSME) was established in 1989 under the Grand

Anse Declaration and Work Program for the

Advancement of Integration movement, when

Heads of Government voiced their yearning for

shared prosperity amongst Member States,

primarily by allowing the free movement of goods,

services, people and capital – a Single Market, and

a Single Economy!

There are 15 Member States. Ready? Set? Go!

Antigua & Barbuda Haiti

The Bahamas Jamaica

Barbados Montserrat

Belize St. Lucia

Dominica St. Kitts & Nevis

Grenada Suriname

Guyana Trinidad & Tobago

…and St. Vincent and the Grenadines!

This issue’s watch word is

Coalesce

“To come together to form one mass

or whole.”

6

Still to come…

* ‘I AM CARICOM’

* Committee Members excel!

REGIONAL YOUTH FORUM

In Quito, Ecuador

Ambassador Tamira Browne, in May 10th – 15th, 2014,

had the golden opportunity to travel to Ecuador to take

part in a Regional Youth Forum – the objectives of

which were to assist in the empowerment of

adolescents and youth to safeguard a sustainable

future and to promote more youth dialogue and

inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

by 2015 – and beyond.

In Quito, Ecuador, Ambassador Browne congregated

with other youth leaders to deliberate on youth-related

issues, namely: Employment and labour; health;

violence; education and youth participation. In the

discussions, distinct attention was paid to women,

afro-descendant populaces, indigenous and tribal

peoples, HIV/AID communities, persons with

disabilities, drug users, street/sex works, the oppressed

and migrants and refugees.

Discussions on youth unemployment highlighted that

of the estimated 197 million unemployed people in

2012, 40% were in the range of 15 to 24 years old.

Working groups were required to critically discuss,

based on expert opinions and delve into possible

recommendation - which ranged from

entrepreneurship and mentorship, to comprehensive

policies and employment opportunities for the

disabled.

Education was another issue which was brought

under the microscope, Ambassador Browne

outlined. Statistics arising from these discussions

suggested that 71 million adolescents of lower

secondary school age, are not receiving formal

education – and those who stay in school, may not

be receiving an acceptable (high) quality of

education. Again, recommendations were

examined, some of which brought to the forefront

the importance of internships, gender equality in

education, scholarships and bursaries and the role of

extra curricula activities.

Ambassador Browne relayed that the discussions

were “quite healthy and encouraged participation

from the cross section of representatives.”

The recommendations from the Regional Youth

Forum were to be presented at the Youth Forum of

the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in

June 2014.

Youth Ambassador Tamira Browne, who also

serves as Vice Dean, Regional Initiatives.

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Youth Ambassador Tamira Browne and P.R.O of the

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ S.V.G Committee,

Shanika John, took part in a follow-up session for disaster

preparedness and management – hosted by the National

Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

The project, which was hosted in collaboration with

UNDP Barbados, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean

States (OECS), the European Commission Humanitarian

Aid and Civil Protection (DIPECHO), was held under

the theme Early Systems: Community Alerts workshop from

4th to 5th June, 2014. The objectives were to enhance

national disaster awareness and the appropriate

preparation and response operations.

In January of this year, the organization hosted a two-day

Community Alerts Project, which was attended by Miss

John and fellow CYA Committee Member, Shernell

Hadaway following the 2013 Christmas Floods which

affected various OECS member states.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G)

Committee continues to participate in nation-building

using every available faucet.

****

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G)

Committee boasts to be a vibrant group of young,

talented ladies and gents! On 12th April 2014, the ladies

stepped up to the plate and volunteered their services and

time at the Phenomenal Woman Conference in St.

Vincent and the Grenadines. Seen here (from left to

right), are Committee Members Shernell Hadaway,

Ayana Solomon, Arielle Junelle Quow-James and

Donique Billingy, standing with founder of the

Phenomenal Woman Conference (center), Karen Hinds.

CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ (S.V.G)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS STAY INVOLVED

Public Relations Officer of the CARICOM Youth

Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee – Shanika John

…………………………………………

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Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador S.V.G, Kishore

Shallow, was elevated to the role of Vice Dean,

Information and Communication. Kishore took up the

new appointment from June 1st 2014.

In this new role, he is expected to be the lead person in

disseminating information from the CYA Corps and to

strengthen the communication system already in place,

with new strategies to publicize all initiatives by the Youth

Corps. A key focus of the Vice Dean of Information and

Communication is to sensitize the public at large about

CARICOM. CYA Kishore would employ the technologies

available such as websites, social media and WhatsApp to

carry out his duties. He would also be coordinating various

public forums to engage persons in interactive discussions

about topics related to unifying the region and youth

empowerment.

Kishore is Cricket President

CYA Kishore Shallow on May 24th 2014 became the

President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket

Association (SVGCA). He was elected unopposed in a

special meeting called by affiliates of the association.

CYA Shallow in his capacity of President would lead an

executive of 10, and would be tasked with the full

operation of cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A

broad scope of his duties includes: Development of local

cricket, development of players (male and female), and

executing regional and international tournaments on

behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board.

CYA Kishore is the youngest President in the

history of S.V.G Cricket, and also the youngest

President for any cricket association across the

region. He expressed his appreciation and

elation by the confidence trusted in him by the

affiliates: “It is an honour to be given such an

opportunity at my young age to make a

difference in my country. This is indeed a great

sign for the belief in youth, and it is definitely a

step in the right direction. I embrace this

responsibility with utmost enthusiasm and

optimism,” the new President declared.

The CYA’s S.V.G Committee extends

congratulations, and best wishes to Kishore in

his tenure as President!

Leading by Example: MALE CARICOM

YOUTH AMBASSADOR TAKES ON

NEW ROLES

Youth Ambassador and Vice Dean of

Information and Communication

(CYA Corp), Kishore Shallow

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The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee Members are involved.

You can be involved too…!

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Young Professionals Association (SVGYPA) is a non-profit organization

started by a group of like-minded young persons. SVGYPA was ultimately founded to encourage future leaders

through professional development, networking, and social opportunities. The organizations’ Mission reads:

“To establish a resourceful, sustainable, and inclusive society that supports the growth, learning, and

development of young professionals and entrepreneurs.”

The organization was launched on 4th May 2014, the theme of which was Building Blocks for Success, and the

keynote speaker was Vincentian Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle, the first black woman in the world to complete a

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Miami.

Chairman of the SVG Young Professionals Association, Kishore Shallow, spoke in contentment following the

launch: “It is an amazing accomplishment to have successfully launched SVGYPA after over one year of

planning. The notable turn out at the launch is substantiation that there are persons with progressive mindsets

willing and ready to engage in constructive programs,” said Shallow. He further complimented his other nine

Board of Directors who he mentioned, “have worked tremendously hard to bring this idea to fruition.”

SVGYPA will be hosting developmental seminars, mentorship and business incubator programs and more. The

organization now formally extends invitation for membership. Requirements for membership, along with

application guidelines are available at www.svgypa.org.

10

“We have control of the choices we make, but we have no

control over the consequences of our choices.”

This timely reminder resonated at the St. Vincent and the

Grenadines Community College Graduation Ceremony on

24th June, 2014. The featured speaker was Youth

Ambassador Tamira Browne, giving noble advice to the

graduates in what many may consider to be a spirit-moving

address as Female CARICOM Youth Ambassador.

In another spasm of encouragement, she added that

“knowledge is not simply just power, but with our full

potential, we must ensure that knowledge is used to expand

our horizons.”

The S.V.G Community College’s graduation theme was

‘Education unlocks Potential; Dreams become Reality’.

Ambassador Browne inspires

hundreds!

“It is not a case of CARI-COME and CARI-GONE -

CARICOM is here to stay. We must continue to run

the race. Through those of us strategically positioned,

we must ensure that the merit of CARICOM never

goes away but that together all generations alike can

resound “I AM CARICOM, YOU ARE CARICOM,

and WE ARE CARICOM!” – Excerpt from

CARICOM Day Message 2014

On 4th July 2014, CARICOM celebrated 41 years

since signing the Treaty of Chaguaramas! To

celebrate the momentous achievement, the CYA

Corps saw it fit to ensure that all CARICOM

nationals identified themselves as members of

CARICOM. In a burst of creativity, the

Ambassadors embarked on the I AM

CARICOM campaign.

With a 3-minute-long audio-visual video

smeared across all social media site, the

Ambassadors brought the vision of an integrated

region to life. Students in Anguilla, lawyers,

athletes, radio personalities and entrepreneurs all

joined together to declare WE ARE CARICOM!

The video highlighted that no matter the member

state, level of education or profession, all must

join forces and skills to create the ideal Caribbean

Community. It was a perfect reminder that WE

ARE CARICOM!

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The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (S.V.G) and their Committee thank you for your continued

support. Look out for our next issue!

CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ (S.V.G) COMMITTEE

Youth Affairs Department

Rose Place

Kingstown

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

E-mail: yadsvg@gmail.com | caricomyouthsvg@gmail.com

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG

@cyasvg