Sustainability Takes Centre Stage at Department of Children and Family Services’ International Youth Day Event in Cayman Brac

Grand Cayman, August 11, 2023 – The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was thrilled to participate in this years International Youth Day with a special event they organized in Cayman Brac on August 8. This annual international event, held on August 12 around the world, aims to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of young people in various areas such as education, culture, politics, economics, and social innovation. This year’s theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” held particular significance for the youth of Cayman.

In a departure from tradition, the DCFS organized their event a few days early, to allow for a group of children from Grand Cayman to travel to Cayman Brac to join the other participants. The event provided an exceptional opportunity for 53 young people to engage in educational and interactive experiences centred around sustainable practices.

Aligned with the theme, the participants travelled to Le Soleil d’Or to enjoy a farm to table breakfast before heading off on a guided tour of the farm, where they learned various methods of growing fruit trees and plants along with the knowledge necessary to care for them. Additionally, the participants gained insights into the vital roles that plants play in the environment and were introduced to technological skills such as hydroponic gardening. As a practical takeaway, each participant received a pot with soil and seeds to continue their practice at home. 

The event also featured a presentation and discussion session by a psychologist from the Health Services Authority (HSA), who provided valuable insights and guidance to the participants, empowering them to make informed decisions and contribute to a sustainable future. The day concluded with a fiercely contested trivia competition followed by a visit to Captains Retreat, where the group were given a tour of the historic house and boathouse by Mr. Daniel Scott and Mrs. Lisa Scott. They learnt about the history of the home, the importance of catboats and the process of making one. The Department of Agriculture also facilitated a discussion on how important agriculture is in our daily lives from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, ensuring a fun-filled, engaging and educational experience for all attendees.

The Premier the Hon. G. Wayne Panton JP, MP, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency expressed his utmost enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The theme of ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’ deeply resonates with our youth, who are passionate about protecting our environment. This event equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become agents of change in building a sustainable Cayman.”

The Hon. André Ebanks, Minister for Investment, Innovation and Social Development also shared his thoughts, saying, “International Youth Day provided a platform for our young people to showcase their talents and contributions to society. I am delighted to see the Department of Children and Family Services organising this event and providing Grand Cayman resident young people a fantastic opportunity to learn and enjoy some of the wonderful attributes of our Sister Island, Cayman Brac.”

International Youth Day was established in 1999 following a conference in Lisbon, Portugal, where political ministers responsible for youth affairs recognized the significant roles that young people play globally. The General Assembly ratified an agreement that August 12 would be observed as International Youth Day each year, highlighting the importance of youth in shaping our world through education, culture, politics, economics, and social innovation, including poverty eradication and the preservation of world peace.

The Department of Children and Family Services remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the well-being and development of children and families in the Cayman Islands. Through various programs and initiatives, the department strives to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Hon. Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage and his team will be hosting a Family Fun Day in celebration of International Youth Day on Saturday, August 12, at the Scott’s dock in Cayman Brac from 3:30pm-9:00pm. For more information, please contact Ventisha at 926-0633.