Dominica's CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Abigail Christmas, has been appointed Secretary of the 2026–2027 CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA) Executive, following the establishment of the new regional executive team.
Christmas will serve alongside Vice Dean of Information and Communication Shaquawn Gill, Vice Dean of Regional Initiatives Janae Herbert, Vice Dean of Mobilisation and Resources Micheal Fritz II, and outgoing Dean Shakiah Lewis-Spencer, under the leadership of newly appointed Dean Janet Simon.
In her capacity as Secretary, Christmas will contribute to the coordination and administrative functions of the regional executive, supporting communication, organisational processes and the effective implementation of the programme's priorities.
The appointment follows Christmas's recent participation in the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2026, held in Antigua and Barbuda from November 2 to 4, 2026, where she represented Dominica as part of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors' Delegation.
The Forum was convened alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) under the theme, "Investing in Youth Agency: Co-Creating Pathways Towards Shared Prosperity."
The event brought together youth leaders from across the Commonwealth to exchange perspectives and develop recommendations on issues affecting young people, with particular emphasis on youth development and meaningful youth participation.
A key component of Christmas's engagement was the CARICOM Regional Youth Dialogue on Youth Development, held on November 4, 2026.
During the dialogue, members of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme engaged regional stakeholders on priorities for youth development and the future of youth participation within the Community.
Discussions examined the proposed Regional Youth Development Governance Structure and the CARICOM Youth Development Index, drawing on findings from the CARICOM Youth Survey and previous regional consultations.
The dialogue also explored the partnerships, resources and institutional systems necessary to strengthen youth development outcomes across CARICOM Member States.
Christmas's appointment to the regional executive provides an opportunity for Dominica to maintain an active presence in the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme while building on her continued involvement in regional youth advocacy and development.
As a representative of Dominican youth, she remains committed to advancing meaningful youth participation, strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of young people help inform policies and decisions that shape their present and future.
