Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium (CIYDC) Formally Establishes West Bay District Youth Council at 2026 Planning for Youth Success Conference

The Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium (CIYDC) successfully hosted the Planning for Youth Success Conference on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Central Scranton Park Hall. Centered on the theme "Success is a Must!", the collaborative summit brought together adult leaders, parents, and young people to turn ideas into community action using the Developmental Assets framework.

A landmark outcome of the breakout session was the official formation of the West Bay District Youth Council—the first district youth council established in the Cayman Islands. Forming district youth councils across the nation to promote developmental assets and champion CIYDC’s mission locally has been a core element of CIYDC's strategic vision since 2011. CIYDC’s mission focuses on motivating children and young adults by strengthening their developmental assets through peer, family, and community support. The conference was facilitated by the founder, Dr. Sylvia Wilks.

• Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Ricardo Henry, a founding board member of CIYDC, delivered the keynote address.
• Diverse Community Participation: The event brought together students, parents, and adult attendees spanning George Town and West Bay (Central & North). Participating students represented Marie Martin Primary School, Red Bay Primary School, Cayman Academy, home education, and the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI).
• Sole Conference Sponsor: The conference was sponsored exclusively by the Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Co-operative Credit Union Limited.

Key Highlights & Conference Outcomes

• First District Youth Council Formed: The newly established West Bay District Youth Council will begin its work by meeting with the West Bay, South, Central, and West MP offices that signed community proclamations at the Youth Asset Fair launch last May. Community mapping, needs assessment, and research will be conducted prior to further local engagement. Leadership and members include:
  • Leader: Monique Hibbert (alumna of CIYDC’s 2011 pilot after-school programme)
  • CIYDC Representative: Jerrin Reynolds-Velasquez (alumnus of the Fearless Xtreme Summer Camp 2016/2018, Guest Speaker at the 2024 conference, and current CIYDC Board Member)
  • Youth Member & Parent: Jalaya and Chantell Ebanks
  • Volunteer: Dr. Ameet Jha, Professor at St. Matthew's University

Next Steps in Strategic Expansion

Following the successful launch in West Bay, CIYDC plans to continue rolling out youth councils across the remaining districts, with the next council scheduled to be established in Cayman Brac before the end of the year.

About the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium (CIYDC) Celebrating 20 years of service, CIYDC works to build strong communities for Cayman's youth by empowering young people, parents, and community leaders through asset-building frameworks and sustainable local initiatives.

Media Contact/ Information: Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium (CIYDC) Website: [www.supportingcayman youth.com](http://www.supportingcayman youth.com)