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120 high-calibre, young men and women from business,
government, labour, and civil society representing the
Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, and Canada wrapped-up 16
days of learning as the inaugural
Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders Dialogue (CCELD)
came to a close in Barbados on Saturday, June 11, 2011.
Built on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study
Conference founded in 1956, the Dialogue is an intensive
learning and networking opportunity that provides a
regional approach to leadership development.
Participants of the
2011 CCELD
began their journey together in Ottawa, Canada in late
May. In groups of 12, they then took part in two weeks
of intense study tours to communities and workplaces in
a total of seven Canadian regions and ten Caribbean
countries. Participants spent the last four days of
their journey in Barbados sharing the highlights of
their learning with each other and CCELD President, Her
Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne.
Under its 2011 theme
“Growth Through Connections: Enabling Sustainable
Progress?/font>
the Dialogue exposed participants to ideas, issues and
people with the intent of fundamentally changing how
they see themselves and the world they live in. If
Barbados participant Vicki Marshall’s remarks to Her
Royal Highness are any indication, the Dialogue was
without a doubt successful in its goal.
“What we have learned in two weeks will take two years
to tell, but a lifetime to recall, apply, implement and
experience. I know that greatness will come from this
life and world changing encounter.?/font>
In their final presentations, participants highlighted
the many complex issues facing the regions and countries
they visited as well as the hard work being done by
leaders and organizations to overcome those challenges.
Each study tour group remarked on the inspiration they
came away with from all of their visits. An inspiration,
they say, that will guide them as they strive to make a
difference in their own workplaces and communities, into
the future.
In his acknowledgement to Princess Anne, on behalf of
the 120 Dialogue participants, Canadian Will McCartney
expressed the |
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gratitude for the vision that such an opportunity
provides. “This Dialogue was no
accident. It’s planning started more than two years ago,
but long before that, there was a vision. Over 50 years
ago the Duke of Edinburgh started the First Commonwealth
Study Conference. Since then, there have been many study
tours like this, with many alumni assuming leadership
positions across the globe. We thank you and your father
for your vision of shaping leaders of the future.?/font>
The Dialogue had the support of many private, public and
not-for-profit organizations at the community, national
and global level. Over 150 volunteers in 21 countries
played significant roles to make this experience
possible.
"I am very pleased to be a
Co-Chair of this year's CCELD because this Dialogue
embodies the principles of global cooperation and strong
leadership, which are integral to running a successful
business and building a resilient society." said
Wendy Hannam, Executive Vice-President, Sales and
Service, Products and Marketing Scotiabank.
Sandra Glasgow, Chief Executive Officer of The Private
Sector Organization of Jamaica and Dialogue Co-Chair
agrees. “The impact and value of
this initiative cannot be overstated. The bringing
together of people to experience and discuss issues of
importance to the Caribbean and Canada, with the intent
of fostering relationships and the leadership needed to
address the challenges of tomorrow will be felt well
beyond those who took part, and for many decades to
come.?/font>
Financial support for the Dialogue came from the
Government of Canada, through CIDA and IDRC, and the
Canadian private sector. In-kind contributions were
also made by a number of organizations within the
Caribbean and Canada.
2011 CCELD Slide Show
2011 CCELD
Memory Book
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