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“The Essence of Who We Are is Being Changed in Dramatic Ways”

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – Caribbean leaders emphasize the importance of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Program, saying young people must have a voice in shaping the decisions that impact their future.

Published

5 months ago

July 10, 2025

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MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Program, launched in 1993 and formally instituted in 1994, has been a pivotal force in raising the profile of young people at both national and international levels. It has played a significant role in integrating the views and perspectives of youth across the Caribbean region. Dr. Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chair of CARICOM, is adamant that young people must have a voice in shaping the decisions that impact their future.

Dr. Andrew Holness – Prime Minister, Jamaica & CARICOM Chair
“Youth across the region must have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their future. But real.”

Dr. Holness commended Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, for her efforts in publicly raising awareness about the negative impact on Caribbean culture and the essence of the Caribbean identity.

Dr. Andrew Holness – Prime Minister, Jamaica & CARICOM Chair
“This is not a call for the Caribbean people to back down.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis also weighed in on how CARICOM intends to ensure Caribbean culture remains authentic.

Prime Minister Philip Davis – Prime Minister of The Bahamas
“The key for us is preserving the authenticity of our culture through our experiences.”

As The Bahamas prepares to celebrate 52 years of independence, I spoke with Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell about local efforts to preserve national culture.

Fred Mitchell – Minister of Foreign Affairs
“I’ll be in Exuma, and we are continuously working to protect the essence of Bahamian culture for the world.”