Issues pertaining to culture, youth and sport will be the focus of deliberations of the Eighth Meeting of the Caribbean Community’s Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), from 24-26 April 2003, at the Torarica Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Youth Development
It is widely acknowledged that any effective drug prevention program must have a strong youth focus as young people are among the most vulnerable to the allure of illicit substances. For this reason the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Caribbean regional field office is preparing to launch the United Nations Global Youth Network in the Caribbean in cooperation with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Barbados National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA).
Chairman
Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett
Ministers of Government and Representatives of Member States
Diplomatic Corps
Members of International and Regional Organs
Ladies and Gentlemen
To ensure a Caribbean fit for children, a regional response to the UN Special Session on Children is being crafted at a One Day Meeting of CARICOM Ministers with Responsibility for Children.
The main purpose of the Meeting is to provide an opportunity for the Region to examine the “regional framework for the implementation of children’s rights and human development in the Caribbean”.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important meeting which is essentially a follow up to the UN General Assembly Special Session on the Rights of the Child held in New York in May this year. It also provides an opportunity for the Caribbean to continue the process of building on the previous proposals for a Regional Framework to guide further initiatives in this area.
The Secretariat wishes to acknowledge the support from UNICEF for this meeting and in particular for its sponsorship of the Background paper that will be a focus of the discussions.
ASG, Dr. Edward Greene
Minister Shaddik
Director, Jacqulyn Joseph
Excellencies and Distinguished Participants
After ten days of intensive discussions on a variety of issues related to youth empowerment, Hon. Walter Sandriman, Minister of Education and Community Development of Suriname brought the Caribbean Regional Youth Ambassador Conference to a close. In his address, the Minister placed emphasis on the role of leadership in the Region and noted that success hinged on challenging or accepting the current process, initiating change, enabling regional development and encouraging other youth towards positive goals for strengthening the Caribbean as a Region.
We, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname between 19-27 August 2002;
Recognising the high expectations of our performance as representatives of the National Youth Organisations and our obligations to the youth of this Region,
Considering the priorities of the Community established by the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government and the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) for intersectoral approaches to youth development.
Mr. Minister of Education, Walther Sandriman,
Assistant Secretary-General, Dr. Edward Greene,
Programme Coordinator of UNICEF, Mr. Marrashetty Seenappa
Distinguished Caricom Youth Ambassadors and other participants in this CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Workshop,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great honour for my country, and a privilege for me, to welcome you in Paramaribo to participate in this CARICOM Regional Youth Ambassadors Workshop.
His Excellency, President Venetiaan
Members of the Council of Ministries
Members of Development Organisations
Honourable Guests
Youth Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon/Hoodamida!
It is my pleasure to bring you greetings on behalf of the Secretary General and staff of the Caribbean Community and to address this important regional youth assembly.