News Releases

IIR Youth Forum: Rising to the Challenge

For Release Upon Receipt - June 16, 2023

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. June 16, 2023 – The Institute of International Relations (IIR) at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat, hosted two “CARICOM at Fifty” events to commemorate CARICOM’s 50th anniversary: a Symposium and a Youth Forum on Friday 14 April 2023. The Youth Forum held in the afternoon session was themed “Rising to the Challenge: Leveraging Youth Talent for National and Regional Development”. 

The aim of the Youth Forum was to give voice to Caribbean youth on issues related to CARCIOM regional integration. Youth forums of this nature are valued by the IIR as they provide a platform for the intergenerational exchange of ideas, bridging the gap between experienced leaders and the dynamic energy of youth. In fact, the youth possess an unparalleled ability to challenge conventional wisdom, break free from the limitations of tradition thinking and spearhead transformative change.

 In her opening remarks, Dr. Annita Montoute, Interim Director of the IIR, emphasized the tremendous significance of amplifying youth voices, recognizing them as the driving force behind regional integration and the very essence of development. The Keynote Speaker was Hon. Kerryne Z. James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy of Grenada, a true trailblazer and visionary. As the Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy of Grenada, she made history in 2018 by becoming the youngest Senator not only in her beloved nation but also across the entire Commonwealth of Nations. Adding to her remarkable achievements, Minister James holds the distinction of being the youngest elected member of Parliament in Grenada's history and the sole female representative from the victorious party. 

In her address, Minister James challenged young people to rise above the obstacles to their participation in the development of their country and the region which reminded all, that the power of youth voices is immeasurable. It is through their empowerment and their active involvement that we can forge a path towards true regional integration, sustainable development and a future that cherishes the aspirations and dreams of every individual.

The forum gathered representatives of youth organizations in the region: Ms. Renee Atwell (CARICOM Youth Ambassadors), Mr. Kendell Vincent (Caribbean Regional Youth Council), Mr. Osazé Moraldo-Bowen (UWI Cave Hill Guild of Students), Mrs. Christine McCann (Open Campus Guild of Students), Ms. Camila Indriago (UWI St Augustine Model UN Club) and Mr. Kyle Bisnath (UWI St Augustine Guild of Students). The representatives reflected on the challenges of CARICOM and Caribbean regionalism as well as opportunities and recommendations for youth participation and contribution in the process.

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About The University of the West Indies 

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region.

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world. 

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). In the latest World University Rankings 2022, released in September 2021, The UWI moved up an impressive 94 places from last year. In the current global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI stands among the top 1.5%. 

The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean, it is also in the top 20 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action. 

For more, visit www.uwi.edu.

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