Niue

“You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon. To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions.” - Adlin Sinclair

Carthy Lavini, 22, is Niue’s new representative for the CYP South Pacific Regional Youth Caucus and comes with a fresh bundle of optimism.

“There’s so much in store for our youth today; we have bright futures.”

But, says Carthy, we’re going to have to work for it.

“Our youth today can achieve their fullest potential if we engage them in activities that will lead them to it; if we provide enabling environments for this to be achieved. For example, if we advocate for issues like no under-age drinking and yet alcohol is within reach of our young people, then we’re just preaching in vain,” asserts Carthy.

“Flowery speeches and talking about plans don’t go so well with me – talk is good, but coupled with actions.”

Carthy works for the Department of Justice, Lands and Survey as a Properties Officer and Lease Administrator, but keeps her passion for youth issues alive through her volunteer roles.

Carthy first heard about the South Pacific Regional Youth Caucus through her work as Secretary and Media Officer with the Niue Youth Council and says she’s now very proud to be representing Pacific young people at a regional and international level.

“Being born and raised in the South Pacific, knowing first-hand what Pacific youth face and knowing the opportunities and aspirations that are often stifled by certain limitations... being able to participate at the regional level in voicing concerns and contributing to the betterment of our Pacific communities makes me totally proud.”

Growing up, Carthy says, she appreciated the effort that adults and leaders made to create learning experiences for herself and other young people and she now feels it’s important to give that back to other.

“It’s led me to try to be actively involved in youth work, to be engaged in making a difference, to be an active participant rather than a passive one and to make my contributions worthwhile. A great leader once said: ‘Tomorrow’s blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today’.  I want to contribute to the welfare of our youth in providing emphasis on the choices they have – even if my contribution is only but a little.”

Human rights is an area that she get especially fired up about and would like to contribute to.  

“Mainly the freedom of speech, to be heard, to say what’s really on your mind – of course, no radical or extremist behaviour – but just being able to voice concerns, and say your own piece of mind, without restrictions or consequences,” says Carthy.

“Why? It’s important to voice concerns, important for youth to have a say, in important decisions being made for us… there are areas which we shouldn’t interrupt in, but in general if standards and policies and all are being set up for our benefit or use, we should have a say in it.

“We’re the direct beneficiaries, we are the products – we as youth, our say is important. iIn saying so, we still respect our elders and what they have to say.”

Email: lavinicarthy.DJLS@mail.gov.nu