The Ministry of Youth and Culture’s participation in the Caribbean Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting and Youth Leaders Forum in Antigua and Barbuda

The first Caribbean Region – Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting was held in St John’s, Antigua, from Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 April 2015 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The Minister of Youth and Culture, the Hon. Lisa Hanna, headed the delegation from Jamaica, and spoke at the Youth Leaders Forum on the topic of “Youth Mainstreaming.”

The strengthening of National Youth Policies, Youth Participation in Peace Building, Youth Work Professionalisation, alongside Employment and Entrepreneurship, were some of the issues deliberated at the Ministerial Meetings. Youth Ministers and Youth Leaders also focused on regional and global youth development challenges and opportunities. There were also group discussions and collaborations on priorities for youth development and empowerment in the Caribbean region.

Takesha Sten-Barnes, Director of Youth Programmes, within the Ministry’s Youth Division, was recognised and awarded as a finalist of the Commonwealth Youth Workers Award for her contribution to Youth development and empowerment in Jamaica.

Other members of the Lisa Hanna led delegation included, Mrs. Sherrill O’Reggio Angus, Permanent Secretary, Ms. Michele Small Bartley, Senior Director, Youth and Adolescents Policy Division along with two members of the National Youth Council.