Government of Guyana, CYP consolidate strategic partnership

The Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to young people in the Caribbean by pledging to work in partnership with the region’s Commonwealth Youth Programme.

Dr Frank Anthony, Guyana's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport met this week with Henry Charles, Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre (CYPCC) and assured his government's support for a Centre of Excellence at the CYPCC.

The meeting followed a formal commitment earlier this month from the President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The Centre of Excellence would provide a focal point for international best practice in youth work, education and training, from which other regions can benefit.

Dr Anthony told Mr Charles that the government of Guyana was willing to be a strategic partner in raising funds for establishing the Centre.

At the meeting, Mr Charles also pledged a financial contribution to the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) Youth Village

CARIFESTA, a regional festival of arts and craft is scheduled to be held in Guyana from August 22 to 31, 2008.The festival was started in the 1970s and provides an opportunity for Caribbean artists, particularly young people, to showcase their creativity and talent.

The concept of a "Youth Village" is a new CARIFESTA initiative to ensure that the creative abilities of young people are properly highlighted and their role in the development of Caribbean society is accentuated.

CYPCC's support for CARIFESTA, and in particular to the Youth Village, ties in with mandates of the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment to encourage positive role models and foster young people's self-esteem by promoting human rights, quality education for all and health, development and values through sports and culture.

Key Links:

• CYP Caribbean Centre
• Country Profile: Guyana