CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ S.V.G WELCOMES NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
At the initiation ceremony held at 3:00 p.m. at the Beachcombers Hotel, Ms. Gweneth Anthony, a representative from the Youth Affairs Department, urged the newest members to be an example to their peers and not allow others to belittle them because of their tender ages. Meanwhile, the Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth, the Honourable Frederick Stephenson, challenged the Committee not to become complacent and view themselves as just
CARICOM MALE AND FEMALE YOUTH AMBASSADORS – KISHORE SHALLOW (FURTHEST RIGHT) AND TAMIRA BROWNE (FURTHEST LEFT) ALONG WITH THEIR 2013/14 COMMITTEE AND EXECUTIVE MEMBERS.
another
ordinary
organization,
as
the
Committee is a part of something meaningful. He pledged his continued support in the group’s endeavours.
Saturday 1st March, 2014 marked the official welcoming of the Some of the newly initiated members were also CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ S.V.G Committee’s newest elected to serve as executive members in an internal members!
election held earlier this year.
When the Youth Organization – a branch of the Caribbean The dynamic and diverse committee is charged with Community (CARICOM) – made the appeal for interested the responsibility of advancing the efforts in candidates, 10 males and females enthusiastically answered the creating
a
united,
internationally-competitive
call to serve and positively contribute to youth development and Caribbean Community by empowering adolescents raising awareness for regional integration. ,
and young adults.
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G COMMITTEE
C.Y.A (S.V.G) COMMITTEE WELCOMES OUR
FLAVOURS OF
NEW CARICOM CHAIR
CARICOM
“…and in my term as Chairman of CARICOM, one of the issues...that I want dealt with…is the deleterious effects of climate change.” The Honourable, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, on January 1, 2014 began his reign as Chair of CARICOM. On January 6, 2014 – in his first meeting with CARICOM Heads serving in this capacity – Dr. Gonsalves outlined that he would use his six-month term as Chairman to address the deleterious effects that climate changes are having on the social and economic aspects of the region. This came in light of the detrimental effects of the weather trough that left its mark in St. Lucia, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the 2013 Christmas period, which claimed almost 20 lives in the Windward Islands.
Sayings and proverbs from across the region: “Cat a ketch rat, but he a teef he massa fish.” Good and evil often come from the same source.
“A crab never forget he hole.” There’s no place like home.
“Alligator shouldn’t call hog long mout.” You shouldn’t criticize others when you have the same faults. Chair of CARICOM, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
of climate change and to get the
requisite responses from the international community in relation to this matter,” Gonsalves stated. Gonsalves presided over his first meeting of Heads of Government of the CARICOM at the 25th Intersessional Meeting held in St. “And in my term as Chair of Vincent and the Grenadines. CARICOM, this is one of the issues…that I want dealt Dr. Gonsalves replaces the Prime with…in a continually Minister of the Republic of Trinidad structured way, has to do and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, with the deleterious effects as Chair of CARICOM.
2
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
“Before monkey buy trousers, him affi know weh fi put him tail.” Make sure the fashion of others suit you before you rush to adopt them.
“Cock mout kill cock.” Choose your words with care lest you draw unpleasant or unwanted attention to yourself. ADOPTED FROM WIWORDS.COM
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
“Free up the Herb?” creates a stir! Following sporadic debates across the Caribbean’s small economies about the decriminalization of cannabis, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ S.V.G. Committee took hold of the discussion on December 12th, 2013 by hosting an interactive panel discussion dubbed ‘Free up the Herb?’ The aim of the session was to give an informed, civil-friendly overview of the potential pros and cons of legalizing the substance – a topic that has triggered regional discussion among civil and highprofile minds alike. The distinguished panelists, all from different backgrounds and beliefs, gave a brief account
either for or against the substance being decriminalized. The balanced board of panelists tickled the appetites of the live and online (Facebook, Twitter and Star FM Radio Station) audience: Mr. Terral Mapp was a highlight of the evening, making his economist’s presentation on the subtopic “Ganjanomics.” The other four panelists – Dr. St. Clair Thomas (medical aspect); Counsel Mikhail Charles (legal discussion); Mr. Ayodele Pompey (Christian view) and Empress Modupe Olufunmi (Rastafarian view) did not disappoint the insatiable levels of interest on the usually sensitive issue.
PANELISTS (left to right): Mr. Ayodele Pompey, Counsel Mikhail Charles, Empress Modupe Olunfunmi, Mr. Terral Mapp and Dr. St. Clair Thomas. QUICK FACT: Marijuana
refers
to
the
dried
leaves,
flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which contains the psychoactive
(mind-altering)
chemical
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as other related compounds.
‘Free up the Herb?’ came at a timely moment and was triggered by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the newly enacted Chair of CARICOM. His letter to the then Chair of CARICOM, Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Prime Minister of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) made a call for an informed discussion on medical and other uses of marijuana. P.M. Gonsalves, in his letter, said that a “reasoned debate” is necessary in the context of marijuana legalization, since the plant has proven beneficial uses, even though its use and abuse has impacted the health and security of many people.
Section of the audience at ‘Free up the Herb?’ listening keenly to Mr. Ayodele Pompey, presenting on the Christian Perspective.
‘Free up the Herb?’ was held at the Frenches House at 7:00 p.m. It is expected and avidly anticipated, as outlined by some members of the audience, that follow-up discussions will take place with regards to marijuana legalization.
3
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
LENDING A HELPING HAND… “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a listening ear, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia TRAGEDY. On Christmas Eve 2013, on a night when persons were busy making preparations for the holiday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was hit with as much as 11” of rain over a 5-hour period. Needless to say, this was detrimental to our lands, property and more importantly, lives. Many were left to mourn the loss of loved ones, while estimates for repairs to damaged homes reached at least EC$10 million. HOPE. The C.Y.A. (S.V.G) Committee took the initiative to journey to the Leeward end of the island, which was most severely hit. Armed with water, clothing, high spirits and beaming smiles, we sought not only to ease physical constraints, but to bring emotional relief as well. The C.Y.A’s efforts were concentrated on an emergency shelter in Spring Village,
4
where members got the unique opportunity to interact with survivors and others affected. The C.Y.A (S.V.G) Committee continues to work diligently to achieve the objectives of the CARICOM.
“THE POWER OF A SMILE…”
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
AMBASSADOR SHALLOW REPRESENTS AT REGIONAL YOUTH FORUM “ENGAGEMENT OF THE YOUTH IN DEVELOPMENT
KEEP CALM AND
PLANNING MUST BE
LEARN A NEW
PART OF THE
WORD.
RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL REGION…”.
PENITENT: “Someone who is sorry for something bad that they have done and wants to change their
CARICOM Youth Male Ambassador, Kishore Shallow, attended a Regional Youth Forum held at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana from 21st to 22nd January, 2014.
behaviour, especially because of religious beliefs.” Macmillan Dictionary
The trip was made to facilitate Ambassador Shallow’s participation at the two day seminar of the CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP), which is being developed to guide national policy and integrated planning and action regarding youth. The Regional Youth Forum’s objectives were to create youth- and environmentally-friendly educational materials and a tool kit for stakeholders in the implementation of CYDAP, as well as genderresponsive and youth-facilitating marketing and communication strategies to promote CYDAP. CYA Shallow, in giving an overview of the forum, outlined that “the engagement of the youth in development planning must be a part of the recipe for a successful region. The realization has certainly been realized CARICOM, and as they continue to champion the involvement of the youth,, utmost credit must be given to Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and his staff.” Ambassador Shallow highlighted that during the forum, he had the opportunity to interact, dialogue and participate in creative planning and execution of various tasks. The forum saw youths from organizations, including CARICOM Youth Ambassadors from across the region.
Still to come…
‘NEVER AGAIN SLAVERY’ + FACTS YOU PROBABLY NEVER KNEW.
5
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
orange your world In July 2012, the United Nations’
Secretary
General’s campaign – “UniTe to End Violence against
Women”
–
resulted in the 25th of every declared
month as
being
ORANGE
DAY. The C.Y.A’s (S.V.G) Committee supports this venture each month!
ON THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ORANGE YOUR WORLD:
ON THE 25TH OF APRIL, 2014 (and each month after), wear orange and share your photos @cyasvg using the hashtag #OrangeDay.
HOLD DISCUSSIONS with the CYA Committee Members on the Facebook page: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG. Let the world know that violence against women is still a major concern and that you do not condone it!
SUPPORT other initiatives in your community.
IT’S NOT A SECRET – tell a friend! Encourage a friend/family member to join in the fight for ending violence against women.
6
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G
Black History Month is an annual celebration and recognition of the many achievements of persons of the Black descent over the years. Historians, actors, singers, writers, athletes, politicians, students – men and women – are recognized for their brilliant contributions. The CYA’s Facebook page was very active and full of life – and colour. Each day, from February 6th – 28th, each CYA Committee Member made a special post about a chosen Black icon. This initiative was suitably called the CARIBBEAN HALL OF FAME. Here are a few excerpts:
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
GEORGE LAMMING:
LEARIE CONSTANTINE:
“A strong opposer of colonialism, Lamming “Before 1944 it was common for West sees the lack of cultural identity in this End hotels to refuse accommodation region as a direct result of the history of to black people. In 1943 this happened colonial rule.” to Learie Constantine, one of the world’s most distinguished cricketers. ELLSWORTH MCGRANAHAN “SHAKE” KEANE “Shake” Keane was born in St. Vincent in 1927. By the late 1950s and into the 1960s, he was considered one of the best flugel horn players in Europe and became known in international jazz circles.”
He sued the hotel and won his case. As C.L.R. James put it, he revolted “against the revolting contrast between his first-class status as a cricketer and his third-class status as a man”.
DR. MYLES MUNROE “He has spent the last thirty years travelling the world training leaders in business, education, government and religion. He delivers his message of personal and professional development to more than 500,000 people yearly.”
His legal victory was a turning point in the struggle against the humiliating forms of colour bar in Britain.” VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors S.V.G
C.Y.A. COMMITTEE MEMBERS REP AT NEMO’S WORKSHOP Members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ S.V.G Committee – P.R.O, Shanika John and 2-year member, Shernell Hadaway – participated in a ‘Community Alerts’ two-day project hosted by the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) on January 21st – 22nd, 2014. The initiative was taken after St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and St. Lucia suffered extensive infrastructural damage in the Christmas Eve 2013 Floods. The workshop was targeted at “Effective Implementation in the Caribbean through Integrated Early Warning Systems”, in which one of the main objectives was to improve awareness to natural disasters and associated preparations and response protocols. Shanika John, CYA’s S.V.G Committee’s Public Relations Officer (left) and Shernell Hadaway
The C.Y.A Committee continues to support all initiatives taken for the holistic development of the region.
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TWEET/CHAT A #SUCCESS! “The advancement of our region relies heavily on equal contribution from men & women!” @KishShallow “The gap between women’s potential & our reality is societal suicide. The world needs us (women). Some are just afraid to admit this.” @Chel_Lioness “We must support women to be role models for girls.”
On Saturday 8th March, 2014 – International Women’s Day – The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps hosted a tweet/chat discussion under the palatable theme, “Is Equality for Women Progress for All?”
“We cannot succeed when half of us are held back...#IWD2014” @MalalaFund
Between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., women and men across the Caribbean region participated in meaningful tweets that saluted and empowered women and highlighted some of the issues facing females today.
“When our society values & respects girls as equals, they are more likely to be healthy and safe & Persons who took part in the ‘#IWD Tweet Chat have better and Saturday’ were treated to inspirational quotes, satisfying careers.” mind-boggling questions, passionate tweets and a general air of awe towards women across the @TamiBe region and the world. In case you missed it, here are a few highlights!
@cyapinfo
“Question is not who is going to let me, question is who is going to stop me. Salute to women for their perseverance…” @smritiirani
Youth Ambassadors’ S.V.G Committee 2014 Natesha Alexander
Tamira Browne (Female Youth Ambassador)
Rachael Quashie
Donique Billingy
Lauren Ash
Kishore Shallow (Male Youth Ambassador)
Rolicia Spence
Ayana Solomon
Camiesha Bascombe
Aliaka Jones (Deputy Female Youth Ambassador)
Racquel Wilson
Kemuel Walters
Ariane Baynes
Andre Browne (Deputy Male Youth Ambassador)
Rhea Lewis-Ashton
Jai-len Williams
Vatalie Caesar
Shanika John (Public Relations Officer)
Kemuel Stapleton
Dearesa Cyrus
Raven Cruickshank
Junelle Quow-James (Treasurer)
Theron Tommy
Shernell Hadaway
Emil Dougan
Yaphet Niles (Secretary)
Kenrife Matthias
Chelcia Ferdinand (Publications Officer)
8
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ S.V.G COMMITTEE
When the clouds turn dark And the sea rages When close seems afar And your heart races Be strong.
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
BE
STRONG A bold
When all your friends are gone
Humble
And you’re agonized from this sojourn,
Proud
Just believe and keep on hoping
Ambitious
That soon you will be living
Man
To be strong.
Woman Boy
Be strong
Girl…
For you Be strong
So rise again
For me
Just like the sun
Just stand firm and hold on.
To shine again Bright as the stars
Hold onto what you’ve been taught
And all will know
For in time, your reward will be sought
From the glow
So stand for something
That you are…
Lest you fall for anything.
I am…
STRONG. Anything or anyone That will make you weak
Kenrife Matthias
Time – this life waits on no man
Member
So show us now ‘who you be’.
CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee
9
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
‘NEVER AGAIN SLAVERY’: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
FACTS Several members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G) Committee and owner of S.O.V.
THAN 9, 500 MILES OF
International Remembrance Day of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was observed this year, on March
SLAVES CONSTRUCTED MORE
25th.
RAILROAD TRACK BY 1860.
AT 17, SLAVE MEN WERE
To commemorate this day and to honour those who terribly
SHORTER THAN 96 PER CENT OF
suffered and died at the hands of slavery, the C.Y.A’s Committee
MEN TODAY AND SLAVE
held a movie night, open to the general public.
WOMEN WERE SHORTER THAN 80 PER CENT OF
Appropriately called ‘Never Again Slavery’, the night was dedicated to highlighting the injustices that result from prejudice and racism – one of the main aims of International Remembrance
CONTEMPORARY WOMEN.
OF SLAVE INFANTS WAS LESS
Day of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The chosen movie, 12 Years a Slave, told the true story of Solomon Northup – a free black man living in the pre-Civil war United States who was abducted, sold into slavery, then battled not only to survive, but to preserve his dignity. ‘Never Again Slavery’ was held at the S.O.V Night Lounge at 7:00 p.m. and is expected to perpetuate throughout the year for continual awareness.
10
THE AVERAGE BIRTH WEIGHT THAN 5.5LBS.
FEW SLAVES LIVED INTO OLD AGE. BETWEEN 1830 AND 1860, ONLY 10 PER CENT OF SLAVES IN NORTH AMERICA WERE OVER 50 YEARS OLD.
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Tamira
Browne
and
Kishore
Shallow presented to the S.V.G Girls’ High School on February 13th, 2014
on
the
topic:
Regional
Economic Integration & Cultural Integration in order for Caribbean economies to globally function. What a great way to pick up momentum in raising awareness for Regional Integration! March 21, 2014 was celebrated at World Down Syndrome Day. To show appreciation for persons with disabilities, the CARICOM Youth
Ambassadors’
S.V.G
Committee visited The School for Children with Special Needs in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The group went armed with games and educational materials. They left with
an
awakened
sense
of
understanding and a heart full of love! A disability is not a weakness. The S.V.G Girl Guides Association celebrated 100 years of molding girls into young ladies in fine style! Of course, C.Y.As were present and ever ready. Look at these two at the #100STRONG Relay held on March 14th, 2014. The ‘Relay of Relays’ was held country-wide and was well represented by members of the Association.
11
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS S.V.G COMMITTEE
ISSUE 1, EDITION 1
CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ (S.V.G) COMMITTEE Youth Affairs Department Rose Place Kingstown St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Phone: (784) 456 – 1087 E-mail: yadsvg@gmail.com | caricomyouthsvg@gmail.com http://www.youthaffairsdepartmentsvg.com/ CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG @cyasvg
12