Antigua and Barbuda’s Janet Simon named Dean of CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps
Key Points(5)
- Antigua and Barbuda’s Janet Simon has been appointed Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, with plans to prioritize youth mental health, nutrition and employment opportunities across the Caribbean.
- Simon officially assumed the role on Sept.
- 1, according to the CARICOM Secretariat.
- During her tenure, she plans to advocate for policies focused on nutrition education, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, mental health, peace, life skills development and pathways to employment.
- “I am honoured to serve as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps,” Simon said.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Janet Simon has been appointed Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, with plans to prioritize youth mental health, nutrition and employment opportunities across the Caribbean.
Simon officially assumed the role on Sept. 1, according to the CARICOM Secretariat.
During her tenure, she plans to advocate for policies focused on nutrition education, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, mental health, peace, life skills development and pathways to employment.
“I am honoured to serve as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps,” Simon said. “My work with young people across the Region has shown me the urgent need to strengthen youth mental health support and nutrition. I believe we can transform how young people access services by empowering their peers to lead the way.”
Simon said her broader goal is to equip young people across the Caribbean with the knowledge, skills and support necessary to become active citizens and play a greater role in shaping the future of CARICOM.
Michele Small-Bartley, program manager for youth development at the CARICOM Secretariat, said Simon brings significant experience and enthusiasm to the regional position.
“Janet brings to this role a deep passion for youth development, a creative spirit, and a clear commitment to service,” Small-Bartley said. “I am especially encouraged by her strong interest in mental health advocacy and the fresh, thoughtful approaches she hopes to bring to the Programme.”
Small-Bartley said Simon’s appointment comes as CARICOM continues efforts to strengthen the voice, visibility and participation of its youth ambassadors across the region.
A trained educator and Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador, Simon has worked extensively in youth advocacy, education and peacebuilding.
Her advocacy spans several areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on health, education, sanitation, climate action and peace.
In Antigua and Barbuda, Simon is known for her national School Tour, an initiative that provides life skills education to thousands of students, as well as her “Peace through Art” series.
She also leads capacity-building workshops for youth organizations and is an active member of Healthy Caribbean Youth, where she advocates for comprehensive school nutrition and mental health policies.
Simon has also represented Caribbean youth on the international stage, including through interventions at the World Bank and United Nations.
The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme serves as the official youth arm of the Caribbean Community. Its network of young leaders advocates for youth interests, works to increase young people’s participation in policy discussions and promotes regional integration.
The position of dean rotates every 12 months among CARICOM member states and associate members in alphabetical order.
