Their Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Lady Williams, President of the Halo Foundation, welcomed a group of youth parliamentarians from across the Eastern Caribbean during a courtesy call at Government House on Monday 19, October, as part of the Eastern Caribbean Youth Parliament Network (ECYPN) 2026.
The meeting brought together young representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, who travelled to Antigua and Barbuda on October 17, 2026, to participate in the regional youth parliamentary initiative.
During the courtesy call, His Excellency shared valuable insights from his political journey, offering the young parliamentarians guidance on the importance of education, personal development, and preparing for the future. He encouraged the participants to diversify their skill sets, make the most of educational opportunities, and remain open to learning and growth in an ever-changing world.
The youth delegation was also commended for their work and commitment to youth engagement, leadership, and regional development.
Her Excellency strongly suggested the adaptation of important qualities that contribute towards meaningful and powerful leadership by elected youth parliamentarians across the Caribbean —including honesty , transparency and a genuine love and respect for one‘s fellow citizens. Lady Williams emphasized that by referring to the youth , we are primarily, albeit not solely, concerned about young people who can NOW make a positive impact on our environment , economy and ethics — as opposed to the notion that these individuals are majorly being groomed for future positions . Her Excellency also pledged a monetary grant from the Halo Foundation to assist the Youth Parliamentary Association of Antigua and Barbuda to offset expenses of their current program.
The youth parliamentarians also had the opportunity to engage Their Excellencies in a question-and-answer session, raising thoughtful questions and receiving meaningful responses that further enriched the exchange. The courtesy call concluded with a photo opportunity, capturing a memorable moment of regional unity and youth leadership.
The ECYPN 2026 initiative continues on October 20 with a regional parliamentary debate on the motion:
“Calling for the Strategic Diversification and Transformation of the Economies of the Eastern Caribbean to Strengthen Economic Resilience, Expand Opportunities for Young People and Promote Sustainable Regional Development.”
Through initiatives such as ECYPN 2026, the HALO Foundation remains committed to supporting youth leadership, strengthening regional collaboration, and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the future of the Caribbean region.
