West Bay District Youth Council established

The Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium successfully hosted the Planning for Youth Success Conference on 17 Oct. at Central Scranton Park Hall. Centered on the theme “Success is a Must!” the collaborative summit brought together adult leaders, parents and young people to turn ideas into community action using the “Developmental Assets” framework.

A landmark outcome of the breakout session was the official formation of the West Bay District Youth Council – the first district youth council established in the Cayman Islands.

Forming district youth councils across the nation to promote developmental assets and champion the consortium’s mission locally has been a core element of its strategic vision since 2011. The consortium’s mission focuses on motivating children and young adults by strengthening their developmental assets through peer, family and community support. The conference was facilitated by the founder, Sylvia Wilks and included:

• Keynote speaker: Rev. Ricardo Henry, a founding board member of the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium , delivered the keynote address.
• Diverse community participation: The event brought together students, parents and adult attendees spanning George Town and West Bay (Central and North). Participating students represented Marie Martin Primary School, Red Bay Primary School, Cayman Academy, home education and the University College of the Cayman Islands.
• Sole conference sponsor: The conference was sponsored exclusively by the Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Co-operative Credit Union Limited.

Key highlights and conference outcomes

The first district youth council was formed. The newly established West Bay District Youth Council will begin its work by meeting with the West Bay, South, Central, and West MP offices that signed community proclamations at the Youth Asset Fair launch last May. Community mapping, needs assessment and research will be conducted prior to further local engagement.

Leadership and members include:

• Leader: Monique Hibbert (alumna of CIYDC’s 2011 pilot after-school programme)
• The Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium representative: Jerrin Reynolds-Velasquez (alumnus of the Fearless Xtreme Summer Camp 2016/2018, guest speaker at the 2024 conference, and current CIYDC board member)
• Youth member and parent: Jalaya and Chantell Ebanks
• Volunteer: Dr. Ameet Jha, Professor at St. Matthew’s University

Next steps in strategic expansion

Following the successful launch in West Bay, CIYDC plans to continue rolling out youth councils across the remaining districts, with the next council scheduled to be established in Cayman Brac before the end of the year.