CARICOM young professionals empowered to navigate CSME

Published by BBNTEAM at June 13, 2025

Posted: Friday, June 13, 2025. 7:00 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Twenty-three young professionals from 13 CARICOM Member States have successfully completed the first week of the CARICOM Young Professionals Programme (CYPP), gaining essential tools to empower youth across the Caribbean in navigating the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The orientation and training, held from June 2-6 at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the CSME and its implementation. The program has been lauded for its significant impact on fostering a spirit of regional integration among young leaders.

Janina Choj, a participant from Belize, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “The Career Community Professionals Program has been incredibly impactful. Being in a room with so many passionate individuals has been inspiring. I now feel empowered to share the opportunities within the CSME with other young people back home.”

One of the standout moments for participants came from a powerful quote shared by an ambassador: “The CSME is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a journey, not a destination.” The week’s activities included testimonials from business professionals and entrepreneurs who have successfully leveraged the CSME for career and business development. Participants also engaged with senior officials and technical officers through site visits to various government ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, and the University of Guyana.

A highlight of the training was a visit to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), where participants witnessed the CSME in action. They interacted with young beneficiaries of the Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), which integrates modern agricultural techniques with business development skills to nurture sustainable agribusinesses.

The CYPP will continue over the next four months, with participants diving deeper into CSME regimes and protocols. The program will culminate in participant presentations that showcase their learning journey, followed by a closing ceremony where certificates of completion will be awarded.

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