GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Friday September 4, 2015 – The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) have launched a two-month ‘I am CARICOM’ drive to raise money for storm-affected Dominica.
“This drive has been named ‘I am CARICOM’ as we declare as one single Caribbean Community to be each other’s keeper,” the CYA said in a release.
“The pain and suffering caused by the occurrence of this natural disaster continues to ache the hearts of the members of our Caribbean Community. The role of this community is to help our sister island restore her brokenness and to give her a sense of hope in such trying times,” it added.
Tropical Storm Erika hit Dominica last week, leaving more than 24 dead and causing widespread damage to the country’s infrastructure. The government has declared nine special disaster areas.
Through the drive, the CYAs will seek monetary contributions from respective country district youth councils, schools, community groups and churches of the member states where Youth Ambassadors are present and make those funds available to the two Youth Ambassadors in Dominica to assist young people there in need.
The effort officially began on Wednesday and ends on October 31.
“The CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan (2012-2017) outlines six major goal statements of which Protection, Safety and Security, and Health and Wellbeing are highlighted. It is not always easy to protect a nation from natural disasters but, as a Caribbean unit, the mandate is to ensure that security is restored when it has been broken down and that the health and wellness of its people are take care of,” the CYAs said.
CYAs are young Caribbean nationals mandated by CARICOM Heads of Governments to advocate for and educate young people about regional priorities such as HIV and AIDS and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
They perform a dual role, addressing youth issues at the national level within a regional strategic framework, as well as bringing national issues to the attention of the region’s policy makers and planners.
Source: www.caribbean360.com
