Survey: Caribbean youth want greater role in shaping regional policies

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Young people across the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are calling for greater involvement in shaping regional policies and programmes, according to findings from the 2026 CARICOM Regional Youth Survey.

The survey, which attracted responses from more than 550 young people across the Community, revealed strong support for mechanisms that would give youth a more meaningful role in regional governance and development.

“The findings will help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen youth engagement within CARICOM and ensure that regional policies and programmes are shaped by the voices, experiences, and priorities of young people,” said Michele Small-Bartley, Youth Development Programme Manager at the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.