When first asked to be Co-Lead responsible for Policy Action Planning And Outcomes for the 7th Staging of the Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit, I didn’t know how to react.
This summit, which turned out to be a glaring success, in many ways for me felt like a homecoming.
My very first introduction to the regional advocacy space was this summit – The premier youth conference in the Caribbean. I vividly recall hearing the Chairman echo the words “…One voice, working towards regional representation, integration and cooperation as a platform for development”. Afterwards, I recall becoming enamored with this region, it’s people, and the amazing things I believed Caribbean young people have the potential to do.
Now here I was, three years on, on the other side of the coin preparing to welcome 150 see delegates as a conference organizer of the same event that got me started. Simply walking past the iconic “WELCOME TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO” sign at the Piarco International Airport sent chills down my spine! Here I was . Again but a whole different person In front of me – An exciting new body of work, a team to lead, targets and outcomes to track.
So what did I learn?
1. For such large scale events, trust in your team.
2. Be flexible and open things go awry and unexpected happenings your meticulous planning.
3. Always be grounded by the objectives and think about those outcomes.
4. Even as the event ends for others, It’s not yet your time to rest – This is in fact the most critical stage for policy teams.
5. Reflect
The Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit is the premier transformational youth leadership development event within the Caribbean region. Held biennially since 2011, it is convened by the Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC).