CYP officials wrap-up Jamaica visit

A Commonwealth Youth Programme delegation comprising Director of Youth Affairs in the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Fatiha Serour; Regional Director of the CYP Caribbean Centre, Mr. Henry Charles and Programme Manager, Ms Dwynette Eversley, recently wrapped up a successful visit to Jamaica at the invitation of the Government.

The visit was intended to assess the youth development landscape in Jamaica and identify possible areas of cooperation between CYP and the Government on youth development strategies; to advocate for the concept of youth mainstreaming; and to share information on the work of CYP.

Dr Fatiha also delivered a Youth Development lecture focusing on the issue of youth mainstreaming. The forum drew an overwhelming response from youth development stakeholders from across Jamaica.

The CYP team hosted a one-day workshop on youth mainstreaming for senior officials and key staff of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Key meetings were held with senior government officials including Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, the Honourable, Ms Olivia Grange; Minister of Finance and Public Service; the Honourable Audley Shaw; Minister of Industry, Commerce and Investment, the Honourable Karl Samuda and Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Honourable Pearnel Charles.

Meetings were also held with youth representatives, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs).

The visit was coordinated by the National Centre for Youth Development and the main focus was to strengthen the partnership between CYP and the Government of Jamaica and also to provide an opportunity to share information with key government officials.