The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme (CYAP) marks its 30^th anniversary this year. The CYAP was initially the Regional Youth Ambassador Programme (RYAP) and was launched at the Conference of Heads of Government during the 20th Anniversary of signing the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1993.   

The programme was formally instituted in 1994, initially under the coordinating purview of the Culture Desk at the CARICOM Secretariat and later transferred to a reactivated Youth Desk in 1997.   

From its inception, the Youth Ambassador Programme has contributed to increased youth knowledge and awareness of CARICOM issues and priorities; has raised the profile of young people at the national and regional levels; and has assisted in integrating the views and perspectives of young people from across the Region into national, regional and international policy and programmes. 

To celebrate its 30^th anniversary which coincides with the observance of the 50^th anniversary of the Caribbean Community, we highlight members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) and their vision for positively transforming the Region.