L-R Keria Hughes Calvin Samuel Eduardo Samuel

The National Youth Ambassador Corps in collaboration with the Chief Minister’s Office, the National Youth Council and Kool FM Radio hosted ‘Open Mic’ on Wednesday 28th May, 2008. The event which was described as a panel, debate and discussion geared towards educating young people about the Constitutional Reform process was broadcast live nationally and internationally via radio and internet radio feed.

In ads circulated prior to the event, the Youth Ambassadors provided justification for the forum; they stated, “Anguilla is currently undergoing Constitutional Reform. Any changes or adjustment to the Constitution will affect the aspirations of Anguilla and its young people. Let’s make particular note that youth and their involvement in decision making are vital for the survival of any nation.”

Members on the panel included the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Osbourne Fleming; passionate constitutional and rights activist, Dame Bernice Lake QC; retired Judge and avid anti-corruption blogger, Mr. Don Mitchell QC; founder of the Anguilla Independence Movement, Mr. Hayden Hughes and outspoken political enthusiast, Mr. Chris Richardson. The event produced keen debate and discussion with questions coming from young people as far off as Canada.

‘Open Mic’, which was moderated by the CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Mr. Eduardo Samuel and Chaired by Regional Youth Caucus Alternate Mr. Calvin Andre Samuel was designed by the Youth Ambassadors to be interactive and youth friendly. Some of the provisions put in place to achieve this were time limits on responses from the panelists and questions from the audience; a system of rounds to allow audience interaction with the panelists; and broadcast to and feedback from a wider audience using radio, internet, telephone and internet chat room.

The National Youth Ambassador Corps is a component of the Ministry of Social Development, Department of Youth and Culture’s ONSTREAM Programme; it seeks to create a structured opportunity for young people to participate in decision making through involvement on decision making fora, while at the same time developing their capacity for leadership.


The Panel L-R Mr. Haydn Hughes, Dame Bernice Lake QC, Chief Minister Hon. Osbourne Fleming, Don Mitchell QC, Mr. Chris Richardson