The creation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Youth Ambassador Programme, and the recent Investiture of the Disaster Risk Management Authority’s (DRM Authority) initial two Disaster Risk Reduction Youth Ambassadors, will benefit communities across the country by equipping the nation’s youth with the knowledge, skills and platforms needed to lead disaster preparedness efforts within the various Bahamian communities.

The launch of the Youth Ambassador programme and the selection of the DRM Authority’s first two Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Youth Ambassadors are part of the ongoing process to build greater resilience to disasters within all Bahamian communities in the short, medium and long term, by making those communities stronger, and better prepared.

The inaugural DRR Youth Ambassadors selected are: Kianna Rolle, a student at St. Andrew’s Anglican School in Exuma, and Gabryel Saunders of Aquinas College, Nassau.

“This initiative is not merely an investment in the leaders of tomorrow, it is an investment in the strength and resilience of The Bahamas today,” Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy, said during the Investiture Ceremony held Friday (March 21) at the DRM Authority’s Headquarters, Gladstone Road.

“The wisdom, creativity and leadership of the nation’s youth must not only be acknowledged, but actively integrated into the national disaster risk management strategies.  Their voices matter; in fact, they are essential.

“But let us be clear, the burden of resilience does not rest solely on the shoulders of these young Ambassadors.  It is a shared responsibility.  As policymakers, educators, parents and citizens, we must stand behind them. We must invest in their education, provide them with the opportunities to lead, and ensure that their ideas translate into meaningful action.

“And so today, I call on each and every one of you to become champions of our youth. Encourage them, mentor them.  Listen to them, because their mission — to build a safer, more prepared Bahamas – is a mission for all of us.”

State Minister Lundy said the programme is a testament to the nation’s resolve to build resilience — aligning with global initiatives such as the Caribbean Safe Schools Initiative, and the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction’s call for greater youth involvement in disaster risk management.

Mr. Lundy commended the Disaster Risk Management Authority, “and the dedicated organizers of this programme, for their vision, commitment and tireless efforts in bringing it to fruition.”

“May this moment mark the beginning of a lasting legacy, one where youth leadership in Disaster Risk Management becomes a driving force for change. Together, we will rise – stronger, more prepared and more resilient than ever before,” State Minister Lundy added.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Disaster Risk Management Authority’s Board of Directors, led by Chairman Alex Storr, and Managing Director Aarone Sargent, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, parents and educators.