The Rising Tides: Youth Environmental Leadership Program celebrated the successful conclusion of its 2025 course with a vibrant closing ceremony hosted at Jungle Bay. The event brought together students, community leaders, government representatives, and international partners to honor the achievements of 23 Dominican youth who completed the intensive summer program.

Co-Director and Lead Youth Trainer, Sky Fishleigh, opened the ceremony by expressing gratitude to Jungle Bay for graciously hosting their closing ceremony and to the many partners who made the program possible. “This program has been a dream of mine and my Co-Director, Gabrielle Agar, for years. Witnessing what began as the first Rising Tides project—Safe Waves Swim Camp transform into the Environmental Youth Leadership Course has been the greatest honor,” Fishleigh shared. “But none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our funder, the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), our partner the Dominica Olympic Committee, and our collaborator, the Soufrière Outdoor Center.”

The ceremony included remarks from distinguished guests and program collaborators, including:

• Giulia Nastase, Second Secretary and Vice Consul for the High Commission of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, representing CFLI.
• Weston Moses, owner of the Soufrière Outdoor Center and lead guide for the sea kayak expeditions.
• Tania Burnette, Capacity Officer of the Dominica Olympic Committee.
• Kerrin Massarueh, inspirational founder of BeMore.ag and guest workshop facilitator.
• Rising Tides participants Princesse Charles-Mark and Nuria Armour, who shared their experiences and growth through the program.

Certificates were presented to graduates, including Red Cross Standard First Aid Certifications and Rising Tides Certificates of Completion. Honoraria were awarded to  knowledgeable guest workshop presenters Jeanelle Brisbane (Wild Dominique) and Kerrin Massarueh, while flowers of gratitude were given to sea kayak guides from the Soufreire Outdoor Center Sigh and Freddie and program assistants Erica Armstrong, Sonja Wreinick, and Willow Volekert, whose guidance and expertise enriched the summer course.

This year’s program was designed to go beyond basic skills, emphasizing leadership, empowerment, and critical reflection. Students participated in a Leadership Lab at the Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, an immersive sea kayaking expedition exploring Dominica’s west coast, and a reflective residency at Fort Shirley. Workshops addressed urgent topics such as food sovereignty, climate change, colonial history, and conservation, led by inspiring Dominican and international facilitators.

For participants, the experience was transformative. One graduate reflected:

• “Teamwork and leadership. I realized how much can be achieved when we work together. The kayak expedition taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice, but about supporting each other and making decisions that keep everyone safe.”
• “Though I had knowledge beforehand about how vulnerable coral reefs and marine life really are, seeing the reef up close while snorkeling (even though I can’t swim) opened my eyes to how much is at risk from climate change and pollution. It made me feel a stronger responsibility to be part of the solution.”
• “One of my biggest takeaways is that stepping outside my comfort zone helps me grow. Snorkeling in a life jacket was a challenge, but it showed me I don’t have to be fearless to make a difference. Going forward, I want to help raise awareness in my community about protecting our coastlines.”

Others emphasized the broader lessons of unity, sustainability, and resilience:

• “We should work together to build our community as one. I want to be more focused on making Dominica a better place for us all, and value our relationship with the environment, especially the reefs.”
• “What surprised me were the serious topics we touched on—food sovereignty, sustainability, climate change. This program shaped my mind on how to deal with conflicts and how I can be part of change in the future.”

Reflecting on the summer, Fishleigh underscored Dominica’s unique position in the global climate crisis: “Our island stands on the frontlines of climate change, yet we also hold a powerful opportunity. Unlike many places, we have not yet faced irreversible loss. This moment is a gift—and a responsibility. Our goal this summer was to instill in our youth a sense of hope and confidence: that they can and do have a say in shaping Dominica’s future.”

The ceremony closed with celebration, gratitude, and a renewed call to action—affirming the Rising Tides program’s role in equipping Dominican youth with the skills, courage, and vision to protect their communities and lead in the face of global challenges.

About Rising Tides
The Rising Tides Youth Environmental Leadership Program was a six-day summer training course for Dominican youth ages 15–18. Building on the foundations of the Safe Waves Swim Camp, the program equipped local young people with skills in ocean safety, environmental stewardship, and community leadership. Rising Tides was funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives two years in a row and implemented in partnership with the Dominica Olympic Committee and the Soufrière Outdoor Center.

What is Next!?

In the coming months, a final video produced by One-Off Production will be released, documenting the journey of Rising Tides 2025 and highlighting the importance of investing in youth and the future of Dominica. Keep an eye out for updates on future summer projects and an online copy of the Rising Tides Guide book, an educational tool for young Dominicans to learn more about climate change and the future of Dominica.