SVG Youth to Get Greater Voice Through Re-established Youth Council 

By S. Browne. Updated 8:09 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Young Vincentians are set to have a greater role in national decision-making as the Government moves to re-establish the National Youth Council and develop a new National Youth Policy.

Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries Kaschaka Cupid made the announcement in his International Youth Day 2026 message on Wednesday, August 12.

Cupid said the Government believes young people must be involved in decisions that affect their lives, rather than simply being the recipients of policies developed on their behalf.

“Because decisions about our young people must not simply be made for young people. They must be made with you,” Cupid said.

He added: “Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. You deserve a seat at the table.”

The planned re-establishment of the National Youth Council and development of a new National Youth Policy form part of a wider focus on creating opportunities for young people in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cupid said the Government is strengthening skills training and technical and vocational education and training, while expanding opportunities in sports and the creative industries and supporting youth entrepreneurship.

“As Minister of Youth, I want our young people to know one thing clearly. We see you, we hear you, and we are committed to creating opportunities for you to succeed,” he said.

The Minister also announced that the Government plans to dedicate an entire month to youth later this year, with activities intended to celebrate, empower and engage young people throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cupid did not provide details on the month, including its specific dates or programme of activities.

He encouraged young people to make use of opportunities available to them while refusing to allow the country’s size to limit their ambitions.

“Never allow the size of our country to determine the size of your ambition,” Cupid said.

“We may be a small nation, but there is nothing small about the potential of Vincentian youth.”

The Minister said the broader objective is to create a country in which young people have opportunities not only to pursue their ambitions, but also to take leadership roles and contribute to national development.

“Together, let us build a country where every young person has the opportunity not merely to dream, but to achieve, lead, and thrive,” Cupid said.

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