Basseterre, St. Kitts, Thursday, May 14, 2026: Strengthening media and information literacy among young people and key stakeholders took centre stage during the SIM Caribbean Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Youth Stakeholder Workshop, hosted by the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO on Thursday, May 14.
H.E. Nerys Dockery, Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted the growing need for young people to navigate online spaces responsibly and thoughtfully in an increasingly connected society.
“The digital world that you have inherited is where your generations live, learn, earn, and lead, but it is also where misinformation spreads faster than truth, where online hate targets girls and boys alike, and where a single click can threaten safety, reputation, and opportunity. When young people are media literate, they become defenders of truth, promoters of tolerance, and architects of a more equitable digital future for the Caribbean.”
Addressing participants during the opening ceremony, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Education, encouraged young people to take an active role in promoting responsible online engagement and positive digital practices within their communities.
“I challenge each of you here today; use this workshop to sharpen your critical thinking, strengthen your research skills, and commit to becoming ambassadors of truth and tolerance online. Take what you learn back to your schools, your youth group, your communities. Be the generation that makes St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Caribbean, a model for inclusive digital citizenship.”
Mr. Cosbert Woods, UN Country Coordinator for St. Kitts and Nevis, UNRCO, emphasized the relevance of the workshop in preparing young people to navigate modern online challenges and responsibilities.
“Today’s workshop reflects the reality in a practical way. It addresses critical thinking, cyber security, digital footprints, online safety, misinformation, and mental health while empowering youths to become active and responsible citizens.”
The workshop, held under the umbrella of UNESCO’s Small Island Developing States Inclusive Initiative on Media and Information Literacy in the Caribbean, brought together participants from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Discussions focused on media literacy, misinformation, digital transformation, and the role of youth in building safer and more informed digital communities.
The initiative also received significant support from H.E. David Doyle, Permanent Delegate for St. Kitts and Nevis to UNESCO, who played an instrumental role in the planning and execution of the workshop.
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