The British High Commission of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has launched its first Resident British Commissioner (RBC) for a Day initiative, which will provide the opportunity for Vincentian women to gain hands-on career experience in the field of diplomatic relations.
The RBC for a Day initiative is supported by DMV-SVG Mutual Aid Relief, a US-based organisation which seeks to address the needs of Vincentian women, children, and families through their programmes and initiatives.
The programme invites female candidates between the ages of 18 and 25 to submit a two-minute video explaining why they should be the RBC for a day, at least one recommendation for how to address gender-based violence against women and girls, and a brief explanation as to how the role as RBC for a Day aligns with their aspirations.
Candidates must also like and follow both the UK in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean and DMV-SVG Mutual Aid Relief’s Facebook pages.
Entries should be submitted to [email protected] by no later than 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2024. Submission must also include the applicant’s full name and contact information. Video submissions must not exceed two minutes and must have clear sound and resolution.
The winner will be announced March 1 and will assume the role of RBC for a Day on March 8, 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Resident British Commissioner to SVG, Geoff Patton, explained how the selected young woman will benefit from the experience of RBC for a Day.
“For the woman who aspires to work diplomatic relations, this will be an excellent opportunity to engage with the work on a deeper level and enhance their professional work experience. Our RBC for a Day will meet government officials, address the media, host a luncheon, and interact with our staff. In addition, we are looking for a young woman who is passionate about bringing attention the issue of gender-based violence.”
Remidene Aboko-Cole Diakite, co-Founder of DMV-SVG Mutual Aid Relief, emphasized the significance of the RBC for a Day initiative.
“The RBC for a Day programme aligns with DMV-SVG’s current initiative, Year of the Youth where we seek to serve St. Vincent’s youth by focusing our efforts on conflict resolution and crime prevention, gender equality, and health and wellness. What better way to highlight these issues than through the voice of our youth?”