Last week, I spent a day and a half at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) taking in some great keynote speakers and some enlightening sessions from local and international presenters during the 2nd International Conference on Leadership, Governance and Empowerment in the Caribbean. It was great to see that the conference had a regional focus to it as I feel sometimes Cayman focuses too much inward and not enough on the region it is a part of - the Caribbean.
Hands down, one of the best sessions I took in was entitled Youth Perspectives on Leadership and Governance and the onlookers were treated to a presentation from a couple students from the UWI campus in Jamaica, and then Felix Manzanares, youth student leader and pastor, and Richard Christian, who is the Young UDP co-leader.
It was great to see the passion and the energy that these youth showed and demonstrated in their presentations. I was impressed with it and excited to see it. I feel most of the crowd (which packed the room so it was standing room only) was captivated by the emotion and engagement of the speakers.
One of the things that I noticed was that the youth was decrying the lack of leadership in the current political leaders in the country and that if youth was asked to be involved or consulted for input, it was more a token action, rather than a genuine interest and act to involve youth in the political decision-making process. This has led to a disinterest and a cynicism of the political process. Disenfranchisement of the youth of Cayman. I interpreted this feeling to have generated from this form of tokenism or flat out ignoring their voice.
A highlight for me was the idealism and principle-centred messages coming from the young Caymanians. They were standing tall for honor, integrity, and service from political leaders. It was refreshing to see. I hope, I really really hope, that these individuals will stand tall and be leaders in the political arena in the future, but not leaders following the paths of the present. We need the youth to be transformational leaders! Leaders who will question the current ways and systems, and serve the community and society first, and elevate ALL of Cayman, not just the wealthy and corporate interests. We can all hope and champion the youth to be the answer to Cayman's woes and political and socioeconomic inequities.
At the end of the session, I tapped Felix on the shoulder, and passed him a note. The note had a book by Robert Greenleaf entitled "Servant Leadership" and I also shared with him the name Kent Keith who has really pushed the concept of servant leadership forward. It was introduced in the 1960s but has really began to gain centre stage in the business and leadership guru community. So much so that a lot of leadership and business experts such as Stephen Covey, Robin Sharma and Peter Drucker have all spoke of the need to lead by serving first and foremost.
The Moment...
I am excited for the future leaders of this country and I hope they will maintain the idealism and servant mentality that is so important for political and civil servants to have to really make an impact to benefit ALL of this country's people. Youth leaders such a Felix and Richard are standing at a fork in the road, between choosing to be real leaders for this country or just another follower of the old, and ineffective, ways of political and social actors. I hope they stand tall for service, principles and change for the betterment of all. Stay strong my friends and take this moment to decide what leaders you really are.
Welly out...
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