Sixteen young Anguillians completed two youth employability programmes aimed at giving participants practical workplace experience and preparing them for employment and future career opportunities.
The achievement took place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Youth Employability Programmes Certificate Ceremony, which recognised five participants from the ASC Youth Exposure programme and eleven from the J.E.S.D.I Job Link-Up programme.
Her Excellency the Governor Julia Crouch, Permanent Secretary for Social Development Bonnie Richardson-Lake, programme stakeholders and other supporters attended the ceremony, which recognised the participants for completing programmes that combine training, workplace exposure and mentorship.
The J.E.S.D.I Job Link-Up programme began on March 4, 2026, with twenty-one clients. Eleven completed the programme following training and placements with businesses and organisations across various sectors.
The programme is designed to help bridge the gap between young people and the world of work. Participants received training in areas including workplace readiness, communication, professionalism and responsibility before gaining hands-on experience in actual workplaces. Mentors, employers and supervisors provided guidance, while workplace evaluations allowed participants to receive feedback, identify areas for improvement and recognised their strengths.
Leeshauna Gumbs, in outlining the programme at the ceremony, said its completion represents a stepping stone towards further education, employment, training and career development. She encouraged participants to take the skills, connections and confidence gained through the programme into their next chapter.
“The journey does not end here. This is only the beginning,” she said.
For participant G-niqua Mussington, the programme provided an opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand while developing skills she expects to carry into her future.
Mussington said she learnt the importance of being responsible, punctual, respectful and willing to work with others. She also credited the programme with helping her step outside her comfort zone, meet new people and become more confident in her abilities.
“The experience also showed me that I am capable of doing more than I sometimes think,” she said.
The ASC Youth Exposure programme similarly focused on preparing young people through on-the-job training and developmental sessions, while exposing them to different professions, cultural experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
Programme Officer – Youth at the Department of Youth and Culture, Jocelyne Mills, said the programme sought not only to equip participants with essential skills, but also to encourage them to explore their interests, develop leadership qualities and understand the importance of giving back to society.
She commended the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm and thanked the mentors, community partners and other stakeholders who supported the programme.
The importance of the relationship between young participants and the business community was highlighted by business partner Gavin Jean of Island Crave and Wealth Culture Global, who described his organisation’s experience with a Job Link-Up participant as “absolutely amazing”.
Jean said businesses have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the young people they work with and should avoid viewing placements as merely transactions.
Describing the experience of one participant who had been placed with his organisation, Jean said she consistently showed up, grew and developed as a person. He said the experience eventually resulted in her becoming part of the organisation’s team and “part of our family”.
Jean also reminded the graduates that while mentors, parents, businesses and the wider community can provide support, individuals must ultimately take responsibility for their own futures.
“A lot of people start, but very few finish,” he said.
Chairperson Angelina Carty also recognised the commitment required to complete the programmes, noting that participants had to balance the programmes with other responsibilities and personal commitments.
“By choosing to invest in your group, you have demonstrated discipline and dedication,” Carty said.
Director, Department of Youth and Culture, Avon Carty, highlighted the significance of this year’s Job Link-Up completion, noting that the programme had not been completed in 2025. She congratulated the participants who completed the 2026 programme.
She also thanked the participants for placing their trust in the programmes and acknowledged the support of parents, whose assistance she said was important in helping young people reach the completion stage.
Governor Crouch congratulated the participants on their achievements and encouraged them to remain prepared to adapt as they move forward in a changing world.
“You’ve been brave enough to take that step,” she told them.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, following a special performance by 2026 Junior Soca Monarch Liam Connor.
For the sixteen graduates, completion represents an important step towards the next stage of their education, employment and career development. While for the organisations and businesses involved, the programmes provide another avenue through which Anguilla’s young people can gain the practical experience needed to enter the workforce with greater confidence.
By Janissa Fleming
