By Azara Lavia
Antigua and Barbuda has two new National Youth Delegates, Donte Walter and Deborah Hatten, who will serve on the Commonwealth Youth Council for the term 2024-2026.
Walter, a dedicated 24-year-old cybersecurity analyst with a passion for safeguarding digital landscapes, and a former teacher, holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. He is presently employed at the V C Bird International Airport.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Donte is actively involved in various community service initiatives through various organizations, including the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Antigua Chapter, where he serves as the Protocol Training and Retention officer.
Twenty-year-old Hatten is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC). She is also the Vice President of the National Youth Volunteer Corps of Antigua and Barbuda and is a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, UWIFIC Guild, as well as Youth Today.
The new delegates indicated that they are looking forward to engaging in discussions on global issues and collaborating with young people from diverse backgrounds.
They also hope that they will get the opportunity to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum (13 CYF) in Sogi Peninsula, Samoa.
The 13 CYF, which is scheduled from 21-22 October 2024, is one of the four forum events of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held every two years.
The Commonwealth Secretariat pointed out that the agenda for the 2024 Forum is being developed by an International taskforce, made up of young leaders from across the Commonwealth.
It added, “young leaders are expected to discuss ways the contemporary Commonwealth can transform societies, in accordance with Commonwealth Charter values of democracy, multilateralism, sustainable development, and empowerment of women and youth.”
Both Hatten and Walter succeeded Ewarla Piper and Jordaine Pemberton.
The Director of Youth Affairs, Dr Jrucilla Samuel, congratulated the new delegates and lauded the efforts of Piper and Pemberton.
As she expressed appreciation for the work the duo had done over the years, Dr Samuel added, “They represented Antigua and Barbuda exceptionally well on the international stage, and we are most grateful for that, and we anticipate no less from Donte and Deborah.”
