On Saturday, 30 May, the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium officially launched the ‘Youth Asset Fair: Youth Opportunity Expo’, a rebranded and expanded celebration of young people, opportunity and community partnership. The event marked 20 years of the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium’s (CIYDC’s) work championing the developmental assets of Cayman’s youth. The fair was inspired by five youth parliamentarians who signed the ‘Supporting Cayman Youth Proclamation’ last year.
CIYDC Founder Sylvia Wilks said the Youth Asset Fair represents “the next chapter” in the organisation’s journey, bringing together community partners, educators and youth to explore pathways, spark curiosity and build connections that matter. CIYDC Board Chair Letisha Scott described the Expo as “a space for exploration, connection, and action”, encouraging students to engage with organisations and mentors and to help build stronger pathways for learning, leadership and service.
The Youth Asset Fair was designed to help students discover opportunities across multiple developmental asset areas, including support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and positive identity. Students from Sir John A Cumber Primary and Joanna Clarke Primary represented their schools with some of their teachers.
The event programme included a formal opening ceremony that began with a march past by the CI Cadet Corps, Flag Procession by the CI Scouts and remarks from Governor Jane Owen. Taking CIYDC to another level of community awareness and action, four of nineteen electoral districts signed a community asset building proclamation. In attendance to do this were Parliamentary Secretary Julie Hunter for West Bay West, and representatives for West Bay South and Central.
CIYDC Board members Jerrin Reynolds Velasquez and Zara Majid presented their hackathon challenge ideas, which included the youth asset fair and other proposed community initiatives.
The programme was chaired by emcee Lloyd Barker.
There were youth performances throughout the day featuring:
- Group songs: The Redeemed ‘Goodbye Yesterday & Send Me’
- Solo: Hirstina Nachev ‘Holy Forever’
- Comedy skit : Khirad Jehanzeb ‘Homework Machine’
- Songs: Cayman International School Steel Pan Ensemble
- Comedy skit: Arham Jehanzeb ‘Homeschool Problems’
- Original poem: Camani Stuart, Hope Academy Student
- Maypole dancers: Edna Moyle Primary School
- Song: Clifton Hunter High School Mixed Small Instrumental Ensemble
- Booth Show and Tell with 28 participating organisations, including charities and not-for-profits.
The Youth Asset Fair also included the CG BritCay Burger Classic Competition with young chefs from Layman Scott Sr. High School, Clifton Hunter High School and Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC). The winners of the competition were from CIFEC.
CIYDC says the fair is intended not only to inspire youth on the day, but also to strengthen long-term support for children and young people across the Cayman Islands.
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