REGIONAL INTEGRATION can be a reality through the work of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) youth ambassadors.

Minister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sports and the Environment Esther Byer-Suckoo believes there is still too much insularity in the region and that differences are brought to the fore too often at CARICOM meetings.

Speaking at a meeting and induction of CARICOM ambassadors yesterday at United Nations House, Marine Gardens, Christ Church, she said this generation was poised to really unite so that the region could focus on its common goals and realise that the differences were not that great.

"It is time that we realise that our development has to be approached with a uniqueness and singularity of purpose that has been lacking so far in the endeavours of CARICOM. We purport to be of single purpose and vision but in the discussions we realise there is still so much of 'we and you', that insularity that we really need to get away from if we are to achieve anything," said Suckoo.

She added there must be a singleness of purpose if we are to move forward in the era of globalisation.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps, which was started in 1993, has evolved considerably since its formation, said Dr Heather Johnson of the CARICOM Youth Desk.

She explained that there was a break in the programme and it was reorganised to allow the youth to be more involved.

Best practices

"In December of 2007 we contracted a consultant to assess a three-year programme, 2005 to 2007. The lessons that were learnt, the best practices that evolved, have all made up a programme for the next three years. The purpose of this meeting is to enable the new CARICOM ambassadors to build consensus on this draft programme and to build some skills in operationalising the programme," she said.

She said she was grateful to the Government of Barbados and the Ministry of Youth Affairs for the tangible contribution which it had made to the staging of the meeting.

The ambassadors from the various Caribbean islands were sworn in, including Barbados with dean of the ambassadors Donna Greene and local ambassador Dwayne Branch. (WB)