Leaders in secondary- and tertiary-level educational institutions across the Cayman Islands are nominating students to attend the Vybzing Youth Programme, an invitation-only event that is linked to the high-level Caribbean Development Bank’s Annual Board of Governors Meeting.

About 70 students will participate in group exercises and presentations as they explore their own issues and concerns surrounding citizen security, said Ms Angela Parris, Vybzing coordinator and manager of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Information Services Unit.

“The all-day forum, which will be held on 17 May, will equip youth with the tools to develop their own community-based projects on citizen security,” she noted. “Youth representatives also will be given a voice at the annual meeting’s closing ceremony on 24 May, to share their views and recommendation for action.”

Chosen for their ability to contribute to the national and regional discussion on citizen security in communities, the students will learn more about the subject from speakers such as Dr April Bernard, a lecturer in sociology and deputy dean (distance and outreach) in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus

They also will hear from Programme Manager (Governance) Ms Paula Mohamed, of the Barbados-based United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States; and Portfolio Manager (Social Sector Division) Ms Deidre Clarendon, of the Caribbean Development Bank.

Opening remarks at the event, will be given by CDB’s Vice-President (Corporate Services) and Bank Secretary, Mrs Yvette Lemonias Seale; and Cayman’s Minister of Education, Training and Employment, the Hon. Rolston Anglin.

Ms Parris explained that the youth forum has now become embedded in CDB annualmeetings, as a way to inspire, inform and engage youth in the meeting’s host country

This year’s theme for the youth forum reflects the agenda of CDB President Dr Warren Smith who, in his address at the 41st Board of Governors’ Meeting in May 2011, acknowledged that crime and violence is a major contributor to anxiety in Caribbean society, and that subsequently it should be given high priority on the development agenda.

“CDB will work very closely with governments, community-based organisations and other stakeholders to begin to address the infrastructure deficiencies and social interventions needed to engage and transform communities adversely affected by crime and violence,” Dr Smith said.

For the Vybzing Youth Programme, CDB is working with the University College of the Cayman Islands and the International College of the Cayman Islands. More information about Vybzing is available on www.cdbvybzing.org/facebook.