ST ANN, Jamaica- Twelve young leaders were officially pinned at the launch of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Ambassador and Youth President Programme held on July 8.

Powered by title sponsor Jamaica Bauxite Mining Ltd (JBM), the organisers say the initiative is the first of its kind in Jamaica’s Chamber of Commerce network.

The programme is designed to prepare the new generation of civic-minded, business-ready youth through five core pillars: leadership development and mentorship; business immersion and partnership; civic engagement; youth presidency, and content and brand advocacy.

“The programme highlights what leadership must be in this era of the fourth industrial revolution,”Managing Director of JBM Donna Marie Howe told attendees at the Couples resort.

“Traditional pathways are being reimagined, and young people are being called to solve new problems with tools that never existed a decade ago, they can launch business from a handheld device, this power and influence, called technology should be used with integrity.”

To programme creator Dr Ransford Davidson, the president of the St Ann Chamber, the initiative is more than just a leadership activity, it is a movement.“This programme reflects the bold commitment that we invest in youth not just because they are our future, but because they are our present and have the potential to shape policy, business, and community now,” said Davidson.

Among those pinned was the inaugural Youth President, Greg-Ann Johnson, who will serve as the official youth liaison to the chamber’s board.

Dignitaries in attendance included Custos of St Ann, Joseph Issa; Mayor Michael Belnavis; Karlene Segree, representing Senator Dana Morris Dixon; and Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation.