SVG Youth Leader calls for better support for Caribbean creatives 

By Admin. Updated 7:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at a regional youth forum where discussions focused on expanding opportunities for young people in the Caribbean’s creative industries and strengthening civic participation.

President of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Youth Parliament Association (SVGNYPA), Omarian Dennie, represented the country at the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association Regional Youth Panel, held on September 24 at the ECCB Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium in St. Kitts.

The event brought together youth representatives from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under the theme, “Unlocking the Orange Economy and Strengthening Civic Engagement: The Role of Youth in the Caribbean.”

Drawing on his experience in the banking sector, Dennie spoke about the financial barriers faced by many people working in the creative industries. 

He noted that limited access to commercial financing often prevents creatives from turning their talents into sustainable businesses.

He argued that greater emphasis should be placed on developing business administration, financial management and personal branding skills, saying these areas can improve financial readiness and make young entrepreneurs more attractive to lenders.

Dennie also pointed to the limited availability of regional financial technology and monetisation tools as another obstacle to the growth of the creative economy in the Eastern Caribbean. He said improving access to appropriate financial services and increasing awareness of available opportunities would help more young creatives commercialise their work.

The regional panel served as a forum for young leaders to exchange ideas on issues affecting their generation while contributing to wider discussions on the Caribbean’s economic and social development.

According to the SVG National Youth Parliament Association, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation reflects the continued importance of involving young people in regional conversations on development, innovation and civic engagement.

The SVG National Youth Parliament Association provides a platform for young people to debate national and youth issues, develop skills in public speaking, legislative and policy writing, and promote democratic participation and good governance.

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