National Youth Week 2026 is set to give young Anguillians opportunities to do more than attend events, with this year’s programme placing emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, civic participation and direct engagement with decision-makers.
The week was officially launched on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, in recognition of International Youth Day, under the theme “Youth Rising, Igniting Change for a Sustainable Anguilla”. The international theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, was also highlighted, recognising that while young people may grow up in different circumstances, many share similar hopes for opportunity, inclusion and a meaningful role in their communities.
The launch itself reflected that focus, with young people taking centre stage through performances by In Motion Dance Group, Island Boys 264 and YAMA. The event also brought together representatives from youth organisations, the Department of Youth and Culture, the Youth Ambassador Corps and youth representatives from St Kitts.
A key message throughout the launch was that young people should not be viewed solely as future leaders waiting for their turn.
Speaking on behalf of Ministerial Assistant for Youth and Culture Jeison Bryan, Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley connected “Youth Rising” with young people stepping forward with confidence, ideas and determination, while “igniting change” recognised that meaningful change can begin with one person, one idea or one opportunity.
CARICOM Youth Ambassador Kasem Thompson expanded on the message by identifying three areas he believes are essential to youth development: partnership, participation and preparation.
Partnership, he explained, requires government, businesses, schools, civil society, regional organisations and young people to work together. The collaboration between the Department of Youth and Culture, its Youth Affairs Division and SAVI Beach Club was highlighted as an example of what that can look like.
Participation, he said, must go beyond inviting young people into a room. They should have a genuine voice in conversations about Anguilla’s future, including culture and tourism.
Preparation means ensuring that young people have the education, technical skills, mentorship and entrepreneurial opportunities necessary to turn that participation into meaningful action.
The structure of National Youth Week itself reflects the emphasis on youth leadership.
Department director, Avon Carty, explained that for the second consecutive year the department deliberately stepped back to allow young people to take greater responsibility for organising the programme.
The National Youth Week Committee includes representatives from the Anguilla National Youth Council, Anguilla Youth Parliament and National Youth Ambassador Corps, together with unattached young people.
National Youth Week will run from Friday, 25 September 2026, through Saturday, 3 October 2026.
The opening day will feature the first National Youth Rally, bringing together students from Grade Four through secondary school and other young people, followed by a Gospel Explosion concert. The addition of the concert came from feedback received after last year’s programme.
The Youth Olympics will take place on Saturday, 26 September, building on last year’s event, which attracted more than 70 participants. The programme will continue with a youth fellowship service on Sunday and the 19th Annual Conference on Youth Development on Monday, 28 September.
One of the programme’s most direct opportunities for civic participation will be Straight Up Conversations on Tuesday, 29 September.
Young people will have the opportunity to question members of Parliament from both Government and Opposition about issues affecting Anguilla. Organisers described the event as a safe environment where young people can express their views and engage political representatives directly.
An Open Mic session will also allow secondary school students to raise current issues with National Youth Ambassadors. The conversations are intended to help identify matters requiring further research and ensure that issues important to young people remain part of the wider discussion.
A roundtable with the Governor will provide another opportunity for young Anguillians to engage directly with a senior decision-maker and discuss the National Youth Week theme and issues affecting them.
The Anguilla Youth Parliament sitting and swearing-in of a new cohort will follow on Thursday, 1 October. Open to young people aged 10 to 30, the programme promotes leadership, civic participation and public service.
That same day will feature Youth Bosses and Bites, giving young entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their businesses. Both food and non-food entrepreneurs are welcome, allowing young people selling everything from baked goods to clothing and other products to take part.
The National Youth Awards on Friday, 2 October, will recognise young people across 13 categories, including academic excellence, sport, entrepreneurship, media, creative arts, leadership, community service, environmental stewardship and youth advocacy.
The awards will also include Emerging Leadership, specifically for young people aged 13 to 18, alongside Friend of Youth and Unsung Hero categories.
The week will conclude on Saturday, 3 October, with the Regional Captain Boyle and Fleming Drill Competition organised by the Anguilla Cadet Corps.
Teams from the Cayman Islands, St Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and Dominica are expected to participate, with approximately 42 people anticipated for the regional drill activities. The competition will feature both standard and freestyle drill, with young performers also contributing to the evening’s entertainment.
The regional element is part of a broader effort to expand National Youth Week beyond Anguilla. Invitations were extended across the Leeward Islands, including Dutch- and French-speaking territories and British Overseas Territories. At the time of the launch, St Eustatius and Turks and Caicos had confirmed participation.
The question of what happens after National Youth Week was equally important. Organisers said the young people involved in planning are expected to remain engaged in discussions, policy development and decision-making beyond the events themselves.
The approach being presented is one of collaboration between generations: young people are encouraged to lead, while older generations continue to provide mentorship, experience and support.
With opportunities spanning sport, politics, entrepreneurship, education, culture, leadership and regional exchange, National Youth Week 2026 is designed to give young Anguillians several ways to participate.
By Janissa Fleming
