May 2, 2025
Barbados’ CARICOM Youth Ambassador Ashley Lashley continues her advocacy for Youth involvement in Regional Integration with the launch of the CARICOM Badge Initiative (CBI).
During the unveiling ceremony on 26 April, the Youth Ambassador explained that she conceptualised the initiative to strengthen regional identity and youth participation in Caribbean development.
“The vision emerged from a commitment to nurturing a deeper understanding of CARICOM among young people and encouraging civic-minded leadership through structured, culturally enriching experiences. The initiative seeks to empower youth to become active and responsible global citizens while celebrating the diverse cultures within the Region,” stated Ashley.
In collaboration with national youth organisations, the initiative will involve an interactive programme specifically designed for the Girl Guides Association and the Boy Scouts Association, targeting young people aged 11–25.
The programme will explore CARICOM’s history, structure, and Member States through fun and engaging activities and presentations.
The design of the CARICOM Badge incorporates flags, cultural symbols, and landmarks across CARICOM Member States. It represents the core values of unity, cooperation, advocacy, and cultural celebration. One hundred badges will be distributed to the Girl Guides Association of Barbados and the Barbados Boy Scouts Association as part of the pilot phase.
In a video message shown during the launch, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett described the initiative as bold, noting that it highlights regional unity, cultural appreciation, and youth empowerment.
“I commend Ms. Lashley for her vision, dedication, and leadership on this transformative initiative, which embodies the attributes of unity and service, which we seek to encourage and support in our young people,” stated Dr. Barnett.
“I urge the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts receiving the CARICOM Badge today to wear it with pride and responsibility. You are ambassadors of our Caribbean values and champions of cooperation, cultural diversity, and resilience. Let this moment inspire you to continue to embrace leadership roles and advocate for positive change in your communities. The future of our Region lies in your hands.”
– Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General at the Launch of the CARICOM Badge Initiative
The Secretary-General noted that the badge symbolises our shared Caribbean identity and is a call to action for young people to become passionate advocates for our Community. She said that the Initiative embodies that spirit of collaboration which is essential to progress.
“At the heart of CARICOM’s mission is the commitment to nurture our Youth and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to lead our Community into a brighter, more prosperous future. Young people are not just tomorrow’s leaders, they are also today’s changemakers… CARICOM remains committed to investing in our Youth. We remain steadfast in our support for initiatives such as these, that nurture the potential of young Caribbean citizens, and create platforms for their growth and development,” stated Dr Barnett.