Proud of Them Alumni Named as New CARICOM Ambassadors

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage (MYSCH) and the Youth Services Unit (YSU) are proud to announce the appointment of the Cayman Islands’ newest Female CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) 2025-2027.

Ashley Gooden (Female CYA) and Danielle Seales (Alternate Female CYA) have been selected to join the national CYA cohort, which currently consists of two male counterparts: D’Vonte Joseph (Male CYA) and Diarra Hoyte (Alternate Male CYA).

Ashley Gooden, 23, is a newly minted primary school teacher with a master’s degree (honours) in educational leadership from the University College London. A former Proud of Them honouree, she is passionate about youth mentorship and inclusion, and has served as a Diversity and Inclusion Officer during her undergraduate studies. Ashley aims to inspire Caymanian youth to pursue dynamic opportunities for growth.

“I am proud to help bring new voices to the table that will impact youth policies,” said Gooden. “I look forward to addressing concerns around education, mental health, third spaces and more. Our young people are resilient and vocal. They should have every opportunity to be part of the solution.”  

Danielle “Dani” Seales, 24, is also a former Proud of Them honouree. Currently an intern with the Department of Environment, she researches climate policy, sea turtle nesting and other concerns affecting the islands’ ecosystem. She holds a master’s degree in marine environmental management from the University of Exeter and has long been involved in youth leadership and environmental advocacy.

“Youth-led projects and perspectives need to be prioritised,” said Seales. “Being a youth ambassador with Sustainable Cayman and having represented Cayman at COP28 has shown me that youth have solutions, but they need a seat at the table, locally and internationally.”

Head of the YSU, Mrs. Mellony Bryan-Waugh stated, “The CYA programme is a platform for our ambassadors to share the unique circumstances that impact Cayman’s youth with the wider Caribbean. They are the voice of our nation’s young people.”

Minister for Youth, Hon. Isaac Rankine added, “The Cayman Islands is proud to see these new ambassadors preparing to make a positive impact in the youth development landscape. Ms. Gooden is a passionate advocate for education and inclusion, while Ms. Seales is a strong voice in environmental spaces. I am confident that their term will lead to valuable insights while ensuring that youth voices are heard in shaping Cayman’s future.”

Across the region, governments of CARICOM member and associate states appoint youth ambassadors to represent their nations. In the Cayman Islands, this process is undertaken by the YSU. Appointed CYAs are tasked with educating their peers on local and regional youth priorities established by the CARICOM Secretariat and their respective Ministry responsible for Youth. Cayman’s ambassadors will be engaged at local and international dialogues, events and in other civic spaces. Ashley and Dani will be tasked with project and advocacy work until the end of their two-year term.

Young Caymanians aged 18-25 who are interested in the programme are encouraged to connect with the ambassadors, or to contact the Youth Services Unit at info.ysu@gov.ky or 943-1127 for more information.