Twelve territories, One Mission: A UNICEF Representative's Journey in the Eastern Caribbean

From fresh-faced worker to UNICEF leader, a return to the Caribbean ignites hope for island children's future

 

Thirty years ago when I first landed in this region it was as a fresh-faced development worker. This time, I've returned as the UNICEF Representative, entrusted with the monumental task of serving thousands of children across 12 island nations and territories. 

The Caribbean holds a special place in my heart. My journey began in Suriname where I witnessed some of the earlier steps toward progress and the unyielding spirit of its people. It’s a real pleasure to be back and enjoy simple pleasures like opening my windows to invite the sea breeze and sun - something I could hardly do in Europe.  

Today, I see a landscape transformed, but some familiar challenges remain. Education, often the bedrock of a brighter future, faces unique hurdles in our island states. Limited resources and budgets impede progress, hindering our ability to bridge the gap towards transformative learning. 

But amid these challenges, a flicker of hope ignites. I see it in the eyes of children, brimming with curiosity, hope and optimism. In youth parliaments and student associations, their voices rise, demanding a seat at the table, their ideas forging a path towards a better tomorrow.  

Engaging with them, listening to their concerns and aspirations, is not just a duty, it's a privilege. 

The fight against violence requires a different kind of strength. The rise in arms trade casts a dark shadow over the region, fueling a cycle of pain and despair. But the roots of violence lie deeper, tangled in the fraying fabric of communities. 

Single-parent families struggle to cope, vulnerable children fall through the cracks. We must reach out and help rebuild these shattered social structures and strengthen the social services that can provide a safety net for the most vulnerable. 

Climate change looms as a constant threat. 

This archipelago, with its breathtaking beauty, is one of the most vulnerable globally. Every decision, every project, must be built to withstand the fury of hurricanes, the creeping drought, and the scorching heat waves. Disaster preparedness and response are not just emergency measures, but cornerstones of our mission. 

My first eighteen months included several visits across the island chain, each unveiling a unique story. The warmth of Prime Ministers and officials attests to the good relationships UNICEF enjoys, but it's the children whose stories continue to have a lasting impact. Reading to them in a Grenadian early childhood center has been one of my most treasured memories thus far. Yet, the stark reality of a neglected community in Trinidad and Tobago, with children burdened by addiction and despair, serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. 

It is imperative that we play a key role in rebuilding the pillars of community, forging connections between stakeholders like social workers, nurses, volunteers, and faith leaders. Together, we can create a safety net, catching families before they fall, offering support not just in crisis, but in everyday life.  

As we look forward to 2024, success, for me, will not lie in building a personal legacy, but in celebrating the triumphs of a remarkable team and our partners. I strive to facilitate their work, to help unleash their expertise, and to engage in dialogue on critical issues like children's rights and climate change. But my vision is for our impact to continue stretching beyond, building partnerships in communities, and forging stronger alliances with like-minded organisations with the collective will to do right by every child.