Barbados

On March 15th, members Jahdae Parris and Tyeisha Bradshaw attended the national inception workshop for the GEF-funded project ‘Reducing the threats to endangered reptiles from habitat loss and Invasive Alien Species (IAS) through enhanced biodiversity governance and strengthened bio-security in Barbados,’ or ‘Conserving Barbados’ Endangered Reptiles (CBER)’ for short. The CBER project, which was formally initiated this year, aims to improve policy and governance to reduce threats to biodiversity as well as conduct targeted interventions to conserve endangered reptile species in Barbados. During the workshop, CYEN members along with other participants discussed the project in detail which included the budget, the various reptiles the project will target as well as the proposed sites for project activities execution.

CYEN continues to educate future generations! On March 12th, National Coordinator Shannon Weekes, Administrative and Logistics Officer Jahdae Parris and Member Kareem Maloney gave a presentation to the Kolij (Harrison College) Environmental Club on threats and protection of marine ecosystems. We had fun interacting and engaging the students. Now they know how they can help protect our marine ecosystems, do you?

Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) National Consultative Workshop for Barbados On February 25th-26th, National Coordinator, Shannon Weekes and Member Kareem Maloney attended the Second Early Warnings for All workshop. The workshop built upon the impetus created in November 2023, wherein local, national and regional stakeholders were brought together to discuss the advancement of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Barbados. During the 2-day workshop, our members and participants delved deeper into the discussions on budgeted activities, identifying focal points and timelines for implementation of activities to close the gaps identified.

From February 23rd-25th, CYEN participated in Agrofest 2024. During our time there, we interacted with various people, some of which were past members! We talked about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 4th Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference and the organisation’s work! Patrons also engaged in our game for an opportunity to win $500.

On February 3rd, CYEN held a seminar entitled “Paving the Way to Food Equality for a Healthier Tomorrow.” CYEN was honoured to host Mr.Paul Mayers, an International Food Safety Expert, who challenged our views on sustainable development during his presentation. Special thanks to Mr. James Paul, CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society and Ms. Chade Smith, 1sr Vice President of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) and CYEN Member, for sharing their insightful responses and bringing national perspectives to the table. A thought-provoking seminar paving the way for a healthier and more equitable tomorrow.

On January 27th CYEN had its first social of the year. Members headed to Folkestone Marine Park. Although it rained on their parade, members were still able to play road tennis and mix and mingle with one another.

NC Shannon Weekes, Administrative and Logistics Officer Jahdae Parris and Member Tyeisha Bradshaw participated in one of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) membership consultations on January 27th 2024. During the consultations CYEN members talked about what they would like to see from BYDC and how their operations can be improved. BYDC also shared their plans for the year with our members.

January 25th, CYEN in Barbados held its 2nd general meeting for the month of March. This general meeting was a bit special as members of the Chapter discussed the top 10 issues, from their perspective, which youth face that are critical for Sustainable Development. Coming out of the discussion, some of the issues raised were education, unemployment and the vulnerability of the country’s economy to external shocks.

On January 20th, Gildan held a beach cleanup in collaboration with CYEN at Long Beach Christ Church (South Entrance). It was an excellent effort from all those who participated. The pictures are testament to the success of the cleanup, but it also sheds light on the need for urgent action! Let us protect our coastlines!

On January 10th, CYEN shared its “Unregulated Garbage Disposal Sites (UGDS) in Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison” report with local stakeholders. In addition to the garbage disposal sites identified, the report also talks about solutions to help curb the issues. The findings of the report were carried in the Nation News on January 12th.