A student from The University of the West Indies wins CAF´s Essay Contest #IdeasForTheFuture

The student of The University of the West Indies Omari Joseph was the Caribbean winner of the #IdeasForTheFuture Essay Contest, a Central Bank and CAF –Development Bank of Latin America- initiative that aims to showcase the youngsters’ vision on the future of Latin American and the Caribbean countries.

The essay, titled Becoming roadworthy: improving innovation and labour productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, explores the root causes behind the underutilisation of human capital in the region and determining the skills necessary for the future of work. It also identifies key investments needed for integrating with global value chains, as well as the role small and medium enterprises play in a more competitive and productive region. The potential impacts of higher productivity and more innovation within the region are also discussed.

As the winner of the contest, Omari Joseph received the recognition of Dr. Alvin Hilaire, Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, and Mr. Gianpiero Leoncini, CAF’s Representative in the country. Mr. Joseph has qualified to compete for the US$2,000 award reserved for the winner of the Latin American and Caribbean contest, which will be announced during the CAF Conference in Quito, Ecuador, on November 7^th.

“As the Central Bank celebrates our 55^th Anniversary, we welcomed the opportunity to partner with CAF for the ‘Ideas for the Future Essay’ contest. This is in keeping with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility as it relates to development and education particularly of the youth. Our team was enlightened by the perspectives shared by the young people in the region, on what they consider important to ensure future sustainability. We especially congratulate the winner, Mr Omari Joseph, on his unique and compelling treatment of the subject matter”, said Alvin Hilaire, Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

From CAF’s perspective, Gianpiero Leoncini stated that “on the occasion of our 50th anniversary, we want to promote the exchange of ideas among students to build a more prosperous and inclusive country and region. Trinidad and Tobago’s youth has an enormous talent that can contribute to sustainable development, integration and to building a better future”.

#IdeasForTheFuture is one of the activities promoted by CAF to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and aims to build a constructive discussion on key ideas that contribute to sustainable development and regional integration through the promotion of the best university talents in Latin America and the Caribbean.