Vanessa Burke Addresses CARICOM Heads of Government
CARICOM Youth Ambassador for the Cayman Islands and CYA Dean Vanessa Burke, represented the region’s youth at the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados last week (19-21 February 2025). She made history as the first Dean from the Cayman Islands and youth from an Overseas Territory to address the Heads of Government at this high-level forum.
During the conference, Dean Burke delivered the official youth statement, ensuring that the voices and concerns of young people, particularly regarding mental health, crime, and youth engagement, were brought directly to regional leaders. In addition to her speech, she engaged with government heads, key officials, youth representatives, and leadership teams from across CARICOM, building discussions on policies that directly impact young people.
Reflecting on the experience, Vanessa shared: "Representing the voices of youth is both an honour and a duty. Standing among esteemed Caribbean leaders — those whose decisions shape the lives of so many, especially young people — was truly a privilege. The message was clear: youth are not just beneficiaries of decisions, we are essential partners in shaping our shared future. With young people making up approximately 60% of the region’s population, it is crucial that our perspectives are included from the start, not as an afterthought. The strength and prosperity of our region depend on the intentional inclusion of youth at every level of decision-making."
This engagement highlights the Cayman Islands’ growing role on the regional stage and emphasises the importance of youth representation in decision-making at the highest levels. The discussions initiated will continue, with follow-up activities leading into the next Heads of Government Meeting in July 2025.
Dean Burke’s participation was supported by the Cayman Islands Cabinet Office, as well as, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Heritage, which oversees the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme (CYAP) in the Cayman Islands. The CYAP was established to promote youth participation in regional development and integration, with Ambassadors working to advance key youth initiatives across CARICOM. As Dean, Vanessa chairs regional meetings, guides youth-driven projects aligned with CARICOM’s development goals, and represents the Corps in committees and major engagements.
Her presence at the conference signifies a milestone for Cayman’s youth, ensuring that their voices are part of critical conversations shaping the future of the Caribbean. To learn more about the Cayman Islands' CARICOM Youth Ambassador programme contact info.ysu@gov.ky
