Barbados has announced Christopher Brathwaite and Janae Herbert as its new CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) for the 2025–2027 term – two dynamic young leaders poised to amplify youth voices and advance regional unity across the Caribbean.
Christopher Brathwaite, 25, a Fulbright Scholar and emerging foreign policy professional, brings extensive experience in international relations through work with the Embassy of Barbados in Washington, the Embassy of Japan and the High Commission of Canada. As National Youth Commissioner of the Barbados Boy Scouts Association, he has championed leadership and service among youth. Passionate about diplomacy and global engagement, Brathwaite aims to strengthen Barbados’ and CARICOM’s presence in international affairs and ensure that young people play a greater role in shaping equitable regional policies.
Janae Herbert, at just 18, represents the next generation of bold Caribbean changemakers. A computer science student at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus she currently serves as Leader of Government Business in the Barbados National Youth Parliament and has been an active voice for youth advocacy through UNICEF, U-Report and the Barbados Youth Development Council. With a strong record in academic excellence, creative arts, and volunteerism, Janae brings to the CYAP a passion for education, digital innovation, and youth empowerment, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
Their appointments follow a rigorous national selection process overseen by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, designed to identify outstanding young Barbadians with the leadership, communication, and advocacy skills to represent the country on the regional stage.
Together, Christopher and Janae embody the spirit of regional integration and youth leadership at the heart of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme, uniting policy insight with purpose, and passion with people.
