Shantel Lynch
Shantel Lynch, a graduate teacher employed by the Barbados Ministry of Education, took part in a three-week project on “Education and Activism for Young Women” from January 29 until February 17, 2017. This project engaged current leaders in enlarging young women’s sphere of possibility, self-confidence, and visions for change, as well as exploried ways to give them the tools and professional networks they need to launch their ideas into the world. Participants interacted with public, private, academic, religious, and grassroots organizations to learn about best practices in responsible citizen activism and leadership for women.
Junior Browne and Grace Haynes
Junior Browne, the Officer in Charge in the Faculty of Law Library located at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus in Barbados and Grace Haynes, Coordinator, Government Department Libraries in Barbados participated in a three-week International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) titled “Librarians and Archivists as Defenders of Intellectual Property Rights” from June 13 – July 1, 2016 in the United States. This program was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of policies, best practices, and challenges for improving awareness and protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
Liesel Daisley
Liesel Daisley travelled to the United States in April 2013 to participate in the “Women and Justice” IVLP. Ms. Daisley was one of 16 participants, from 14 countries, to complete the three week program. The goal of the “Women and Justice” program was to promote an appreciation for the rule of law; address the global problems of violence against women and women’s lack of access to justice; and create international connections amongst legal professionals to strengthen women’s access to justice. Session topics included international women’s rights; women’s political empowerment; the role of civil society in promoting women’s rights; an introduction to tribal law issues; the role of juvenile and family courts; empowerment of young female leaders; female refugees and immigrants; reduction of narcotics use and prostitution; and combating domestic violence. The program began in Washington, DC and moved west across the country, as participants travelled to Reno, Nevada; Seattle, Washington; and either Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis, Indiana; or Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ms. Daisley is the Founder and Chairman of the SAVE Foundation; a Barbadian non-profit organization that counsels victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Linda Griffith
Linda Griffith was selected to participate in the “Small Business Development” International Visitor Leadership Program. Ms. Griffith reported the program inspired an interest in small business promotion, facilitated valuable exchanges with American entrepreneurs, and allowed her the opportunity to examine the level of volunteerism in the U.S. Ms. Griffith travelled to Washington, DC; Minneapolis, MN; Pensacola, FL; and Seattle, WA during the period of July 30 to August 17, 2012.
Kemar Saffrey
Young Barbadian social activist, Kemar Saffrey participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program “Civil Society 2.0.” The program was held from January 9 to 27, 2012 in Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Reno, NV; Little Rock, AR; and Miami, FL. Through the program, Saffrey learned how social media and new outreach tools can be used to advance the Barbados Vagrant and Homeless Society, of which he is chairman. In March 2013 Saffrey won the Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development.
Sharon Kinch
Sharon Kinch was selected to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program “Women and Entrepreneurship.” The goals of the program were to provide examples of entrepreneurial efforts in the U.S., particularly those initiated by women; illustrate the essential role of non-governmental and grassroots organizations in supporting and empowering the development of women-owned businesses; and higlight the social, economic, and political factors that influence and encourage the development of private enterprise in the U.S. Ms. Kinch travelled to Washington, DC; St. Louis, MO; Boise, Idaho; and Portland, OR for the April 24 to May 11, 2012 program.