The BES Youth Exchange served as a platform for young leaders from across the Caribbean Netherlands to connect, collaborate, and co-create ideas for sustainable youth development. Over four days, the Saba Youth Council actively participated in a variety of hands-on workshops and activities, including:
- Forward Thinking & Networking with Ms. Ife Badejo, Chief Experience Officer, Islandpreneur
- Networking, Community Advocacy, & Mental Health with Mrs. Sahar Thomson and Ms. Shanica Romney
- Sustainable Youth Participation with Lenworth Wilson Jr., Youth Participation Specialist
- Creative Art Workshop with Dirkje de Jong, UNICEF Netherlands Caribbean Project Coordinator
- Scavenger Hunt in Philipsburg
- Historical Island Tour
The President of the Saba Youth Council, Rosheed Ballantyne states "the BES Youth Exchange 2025 was an incredible opportunity for us to connect with fellow young leaders and share our visions for a sustainable future. The knowledge and friendships we gained will empower us to drive positive change in our communities."
The exchange kicked off with an inspiring interaction between the youth delegates and key stakeholders, including the Sint Maarten Youth Parliament, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Hon. Minister Melissa Gumbs, and Ms. Suzette Moses-Burton, Chef de Cabinet. Also present at the Youth Exchange were Tess Martina, Policy Officer from BZK (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations), Sophie von Heydel, Interim Manager, and Margje Troost, Project Manager of the UNICEF Netherlands Caribbean Team.
One of the most promising outcomes of the exchange was the formation of the BES Island Youth Network, a youth-led initiative aimed at strengthening inter-island cooperation and fostering long-term collaboration. Additionally, Saba Youth Council members engaged with representatives from the Dutch National Youth Council (NJR), including Anne Jenster, Project Leader, Research & Education National Youth Strategy, and Sabine van Ewijk, Board Member, International Consultation. They contributed their voices to the evolving National Youth Strategy and committed to promoting a youth-centered survey within their communities.
Mentors Kemaul Lee and Tedisha Gordon emphasized that this experience reflects the Saba Youth Council’s strong commitment to youth empowerment and regional unity. “The knowledge and relationships built during this exchange will continue to shape these young leaders as advocates for Saba’s youth,” said Lee.
