A SIGNIFICANT number of Caribbean youths remain unaware of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and its potential to enhance their future prosperity. The lack of CSME integration in educational curricula, combined with limited engagement and interest from young people, has hindered their understanding and potential to benefit from regional integration.

In response to these challenges, the CARICOM Young Professionals Programme (CYPP) was recently launched to empower young people in the region and better position them to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the CSME.
Ms Michele Small-Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, expressed optimism about the programme’s ability to bridge the gaps in awareness and create renewed interest in the CSME among youth. She highlighted the CSME as a critical tool for driving economic

growth and fostering regional co-operation across the Caribbean.
“We must prioritise educational reform, targeted outreach, youth engagement, and skills development to empower young people to actively participate in and benefit from the CSME’s opportunities,” stated Small-Bartley.

The CYPP is a four-month programme designed to build the capacity of CARICOM nationals aged 24 to 35 years by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote the CSME regime. Through a series of comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and educational resources, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the CSME’s complexities. The experiential learning approach will enhance their skills and competencies, enabling them to navigate the opportunities available through regional integration.
The CYPP aims to empower young professionals to advocate for their interests within the CSME framework. By participating in policy discussions and decision-making processes at both national and regional levels, youth voices will be amplified, ensuring that their priorities are considered in shaping the future of the CSME.

Additionally, the initiative will create platforms for networking and collaboration, connecting young professionals with mentors, policymakers, business leaders, and peers across the Caribbean. The programme also seeks to establish a CARICOM Young Professional Network, fostering a sense of community and encouraging greater youth involvement in shaping the region’s future through the CSME.
Ms Small-Bartley reiterated the importance of collective action in achieving the vision of a prosperous and integrated Caribbean. “The vision of a prosperous and integrated Caribbean region can only be realised through collective effort,” she stated.
Selection for the first cohort of participants is currently underway. The CYPP represents a critical step forward in enhancing youth participation in the regional integration process and ensuring the next generation of leaders is well-equipped to contribute to the Caribbean’s growth and development.