It was an event of much pride to Anguilla on Tuesday evening, July 16, when seventeen young and brilliant Anguillians were accredited and commissioned as members of the Youth Ambassadors Corps – all to work directly or indirectly with the CARICOM Secretariat in the interest of their island home. Almost all of them hold first or second university degrees. At least two are the holders of ten or eleven CXC passes and are awaiting their advanced CAPE results.
The special ceremony was held at Government House. Among the appointees are two new CARICOM Youth Ambassadors – Clemvio Hodge and Rochelle Rogers – the first to be called for their accreditation and commissioning by Governor Christina Scott. The previous CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are Rhina Meade, Calvin Samuel and Jervis Richardson; the Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors, appointed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, are Sherise Brooks, Kasseem Forde and Akio Lloyd. The National Youth Ambassadors are Melissa Hamm, Tirichmir Gumbs, Jharik Richardson, Bradlee Levons, Verlyndah Rogers, Shauna Richardson, Ravi Lloyd and Glenneva Hodge. They were all given accreditation and their commission by the Governor.
Mr. Clemvio Hodge and Ms. Rochelle Rogers
“The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are Anguillians, but they represent CARICOM,” Mr Bren Romney, Director of Youth & Culture, explained. “They are appointed as ambassadors by CARICOM to represent CARICOM in Anguilla and the wider region. The National Youth Ambassadors are appointed by the Department of Youth & Culture, in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Development, to represent Anguillian young people at different organisations and boards on the island.” According to Mr Romney, each National Ambassador has specific policy focuses such as education, youth development, health, sports and so on.
Mr Romney, who congratulated the ambassadors, told them at the special ceremony that they were “the best of the best”. He further stated: “They went through a very rigorous process; they are well-qualified; they have already demonstrated a commitment to youth development and a commitment to national service. They are well-known throughout the Anguillian community; have extensive experience working with youth groups within the National Youth Council and across the Government’s spectrum; they have a firm knowledge of how our Government’s system and the regional Governments’ systems operate. These young people are here today because they are the best of the best; and they have demonstrated an ability to represent their peers at all levels.”
Anguilla’s Minister of Youth & Culture, Jerome Roberts, stressed that although the appointments appeared to be “lofty” the task of the ambassadors was a humble and honourable one. “In your capacity as ambassador you will be called upon to represent the interests of young people on a wide variety of issues,” he advised them. “You will be expected to give voice to their concerns, to advocate for their needs and to be a champion of their causes.”
The Minister added: “Please accept the commendations of my Ministry and by extension the Government of Anguilla on your willingness to take on this task. Being a youth ambassador requires patience, sacrifice and a commitment to representing youth interests to the best of your ability. I am confident that each of you has what it takes to perform well.”
Governor Christina Scott said in part: “Well done, and thanks to all of you who have put yourselves forward for this service; and have been through the training and have committed to further training. It is a big commitment in terms of your personal time on top of juggling other jobs, responsibilities and education. It is an extremely important role that you are continuing to take on or taking up for the first time. We are extremely grateful for the positive impact and the leadership that you will be showing to Anguilla’s young people.”
The Governor made the point that not just anybody who applied to be an ambassador gets the position. “You are only being recognised because of your personal commitment, the work that you have put in and the training you have done,” she stated. “It is also because of the practical experience you have, and the level of commitment you have been able to demonstrate to those running the programme – so it is no small achievement.”
The ambassadors were introduced by Mrs Chanelle Petty Barrett, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth & Culture, who gave a short but comprehensive account of their educational background, field of employment, and commitment to youth development.
As the ambassadors approached the platform, they were presented with their Instruments of Appointment by Governor Scott and their pins by Mr Roberts, the Minister of Youth & Culture.
