Young Caribbean leaders gathered in St. Kitts on Thursday, September 24^th, 2026, for a regional youth panel examining the topic: “Unlocking the Orange Economy and Strengthening Civic Engagement: The Role of Youth in the Caribbean.”

Held as part of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association’s 25^th anniversary celebrations, the discussion brought together perspectives from Grenada, Anguilla, St. Vincent, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Panelists described the Orange Economy as an expanding space where creativity can become a business and livelihood, encompassing fields including music, performing arts, fashion, graphic design, videography and digital content creation. A recurring theme was ‘the need to move beyond viewing creative pursuits as hobbies’. Akim Williams, National Youth Parliamentarian from Grenada offered this perspective:

Participants also called for greater education, mentorship, specialized financing and policies tailored to creative businesses, while also addressing cultural authenticity and how Caribbean artists can reach international audiences while preserving their identity.

They emphasized greater collaboration among governments, financial institutions, educators and creatives to help young Caribbean people turn talent into sustainable enterprises.