If young people know and understand the purpose of CARICOM, the future of this regional body and its member countries will be secure. This sentiment, held by Ambassador to CARICOM Leslia Miller-Brice, led her to organise the 2025 CARICOM Youth Forum, which brought together more than 400 young people to examine regional issues.
CARICOM was established in 1973 to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states, with a focus on shared benefits and coordinated foreign policy. Young people are integral to the region’s sustainable development strategies as they are the heart of the communities that thrive.
During the CARICOM Youth Forum, hundreds of students representing nearly every public and private school in New Providence engaged in informative discussions on the following topics: ‘The Role of Diplomacy – A Youth Driven Future”; Climate Change and Sustainability”; and “The Future of Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean”.
“This experience was eye opening,” said Kenmyah Black, a grade 11 student at The Government High School.
“I had no idea The Bahamas was being threatened so much by climate change. They gave us ways we could combat climate change ourselves – in the situations we are in. We learned how we can help even though we are not in huge leadership positions; but from our position, we can make a difference”
“I am grateful,” Kenmyah added. “This event helped me realise I have a voice and it has equipped me with the knowledge that I could go places. The information I got showed me how I could make a difference, cast my vote, and how I could use my voice.
Eighth grader Angel Paul agrees: “My favourite part was learning about climate change and how it could affect The Bahamas. I’m glad I came. The speakers inspired me to know that we have a voice and we could change The Bahamas. Congratulations to the organisers. They did an amazing job.”
“It was truly a joy to have so many young people in one room – engaged and excited,” said Ambassador Miller-Brice.
“I want to say thank you to the government for ensuring that our youth were able to have this CARICOM experience. This was so important for their voices to be heard and for us to empower and engage them. They simply want to be heard.”
After the CARICOM Youth Conference 2025, some of the participants engaged with Ambassador Miller-Brice in a mangrove planting event, which gave them a chance to actively participate in climate change mitigation efforts and to see themselves as environmental ambassadors.
Source: Felicity Darville
