"Sailing is intrinsic to our identity as Caribbean people and crucial to economic opportunities and youth empowerment" - CARICOM ASG

CARICOM's Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon, advocates for increased youth participation in regional development. The ASG engaged with youth in The Bahamas last week during several youth empowerment and capacity-building activities held in the margins of the CARICOM Youth Forum "One-Youth-One Voice" on Thursday, 20 March.

Engagement with the Uriah McPhee Primary Sailing Club

On Friday, 21 March, she participated in a special meet-and-greet at the Uriah McPhee Primary School hosted by the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This event served as a platform to emphasise the importance of youth engagement in developmental initiatives, mainly through the Junior Sailing Programme.

"Sailing in the Caribbean is deeply intertwined with local culture and intrinsic to our identity as Caribbean people. Local regattas and boat races, for example, are celebrated events that blend friendly competition with music, food, a sense of community, and unique cultural festivities. These activities play a vital role in the social, economic, and cultural development of our diverse communities throughout the Caribbean. For over 70 years, regattas have been a cherished tradition across the Bahamian islands, especially in the Family Islands, breathing new life into the sail-driven workboats that historically supported the economy through fishing and freight," shared the ASG during her engagment with students.

The Programme aims to foster an appreciation for the ocean and maritime connectivity among young Bahamians and to cultivate a sense of responsibility and connection to the natural environment.

"As we reimagine our maritime connectivity and how to connect our islands in new ways, sailing offers a powerful avenue to revitalize cultural traditions, inspire a new generation of sailors, create economic opportunities, and empower young people across the Region," added the ASG.

The Honorable Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education, The Bahamas, also delivered remarks highlighting the continued efforts in youth development and reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the Junior Sailing Programme. Among the attendees were the enthusiastic sailing clubs from the following government schools: C.W. Sawyer, C.V. Bethel, R.M. Bailey, C.H. Reeves, E.P. Roberts, L.W. Young, and Uriah McPhee.

Watch a video from the activity below:

Mangrove Planting and Launch of Regional Mangrove Planting Day Campaign

In addition, ASG Solomon participated in a commemorative mangrove planting ceremony with Hon. Leslia Miller-Brice, MP, Ambassador of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to CARICOM, at the Bonefish Pond National Park in commemoration of World Forestry Day. Bahamian Young people, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and volunteers from the Bahamas National Trust planted over 200 mangroves during the exercise.

The park is one of the last intact coastal wetland ecosystems in New Providence.

Watch a video from the engagement below:

The Bahamas National Sailing School

In addition, ASG Solomon visited The Bahamas National Sailing School, where she participated in the school’s regular training session. While interacting with students and instructors, she observed young students using a Bahamian-made E-Class sloop for a hands-on sailing experience. Over 70% of students in the programme are from inner-city communities. British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Tom Hartley, was also in attendance.