The Emerging Global Leaders of Barbados held their launch at Combermere School Hall in October 2007.

Honorary guest included left to right:Christa Soleyn, Je-Meila Maloney, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, Lionel Weekes, Alexandra School principal Mr. Jeffrey Broomes the EGLB Facilitator, Mr Craig Wright from York University and Pastor Dale Haynes.

Pastor Dale Haynes, opened the programme at the launch of the Emerging Global Leaders of Barbados, said he wanted the youngsters to create more than an impression; he wanted them to make an imprint. "Make your mark and your mark will make you. Have extraordinary vision, face leadership squarely and create a presence" he reminded us where ultimate leadership comes from - the Divine."Teach me God so I have wisdom to share" James 1:5

Pearsor Bowen from CBC pledged his support to giving EGLB exposure and was encouraged as the youth expressed themselves positively. Click on pictures to enlarge.

The Emerging Global Leaders Program (EGLP) is an award-winning leadership retreat that gives students the chance to gain skills and work towards goals in building their global awareness and leadership capabilities.

Ms. Soleyn and Ms. Maloney said they were inspired to form the organisation after attending an Emerging Global Leaders’ Programme at York University in Canada, where they learned about leadership and the role that young people could play in their society.

They also said the group would like to play a part in the implementation of students’ councils in all secondary schools. “I believe that students’ councils can mend the broken relationship between teachers and students,“ Ms. Maloney opined. < Read more >

Alexandra School principal Mr.Jeffrey Broomes, the Facilitator of the movement, said children had been afforded excellent opportunities by going to the University of York and they not only demonstrated leadership in academics but several other areas.

He congratulated EGLB for choosing a bright, dynamic leader as the President - Ja-Meila Malony.

The Global Village must be your stage - your dreams and thoughts must go beyond what you can see. Issues like poverty, HIV AIDS etc must attract your attention. You will bring a freshness and creativity to these issues.

Mr. Craig Wright, coordinator international student programs said "Given the Caribbean diaspora in Toronto and our existing relationships with local diplomats who could help facilitate this project, Barbados was a perfect choice for us."< Read more >

The Emerging Global Leaders Program International (EGLP) is a chance for high school students from the Caribbean to enhance their leadership and professional skills in a two-day retreat full of workshops, team-building activities and presentations from leaders in a variety of fields.The first international version of the EGLP took place in Barbados in October, 2004.

The retreat, which was run for York University students for the last five years, facilitated a dialogue/interaction between students. It was designed to “allow students time to reflect on the changing contexts, concepts and challenges of leadership in a global world”. According to a Ministry of Education Official, “students were given an opportunity to discuss the changing contexts of global leadership, the challenges of cross-cultural communication and understanding, and explore essential skills for successful leadership in the international context”.

Source www.barbados.gov.bb

Craig Wright of York said the university was looking to expand the programme further. He said 18 schools in Barbados and Jamaica participated this year. The program had extended into St Kitts and even Haiti was on the horizon.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, Lionel Weekes gave the Feature Address and confirmed that this country is in good hands. He pledged the support of the government to assist in the plans and projects of the EGLB and informed them that "the government's door is open"

He called on the young men to come forward and join service clubs and other organisations, not only to help their children but the nation as a whole.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, Lionel Weekes told the young leaders they were helping
to build the social capital of this country. He encouraged them to read the National Strategic Plan For Barbados 2006 To 2025 and give
their feedback on the document.

Specially invited guest included the team from United Caribbean Trust who included Paulette Scantelbury, Early Childhood Coordinator. Jenny Tryhane the founder and Pastor Jean Gerald Lafleur the Haiti representative.

The team from the Office on the Advisor on Poverty Eradication included, Denie Tannis the Programme Co-Ordinator, the Honorable Hamilton Lashley and Mr. David McDonald Denny.

Student leaders and officials were treated to entertainment by the Alexandra School Drama Group and Shanice Small of Deighton Griffith Secondary, who ministered the Word in song.

Pastor Dale Haynes officially launched the EGLB and following a vote of thanks refreshments were offered outside under the tent on the playing field of Combermere School.

A special thanks and congratulations to the Principal of Combermere for hosting a very successful event.

Thanks also to Scotiabank who sponsored the Emerging Global Leaders of the Caribbean program for 2006. Its financial support enabled York to add more sessions to the program and host evening receptions in each country to give participants a chance to interact with business, community and education representatives. The EGLP sessions focus on goal-setting and other keys to success. They are led by professionals and experts from business, academia, government and the private sector.

< Read more >