SIDS4 volunteer training in full swing.

As the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States approaches, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda is conducting a rigorous training program for volunteers to ensure a successful event.

The volunteering initiative has been integral to the coordination of the conference, and there was a massive response to the recruitment drive.

Scores of Antiguans and Barbudans enlisted as volunteers for the SIDS4 Conference, and now they are undergoing a series of training exercises to fully prepare them for their responsibilities during the conference from May 27-30.

Under the guidance of Karen Cabrall, the Chief of Protocols at the Ministry’s Protocols Office, the volunteers are getting the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of their respective roles.

A virtual Train the Trainer exercise was facilitated by the UK Government, an important partner in the overall effort.

The orientation sessions for the wider group intensified on Saturday, where almost 200 selected volunteers packed one of the meeting rooms at the American University of Antigua, the venue for the conference.

An experienced trainer, Anika Kentish, led the selected volunteers through various modules designed to ensure that all levels of the conference benefit from the knowledgeable and nimble support of a responsive and enthusiastic group of individuals.

The sessions were split into segments, allowing participants to ask questions and fully engage in role-playing activities that brought to life various potential situations that could develop during the conference.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be leading another series of training activities this week, this time targeting the Protocol Officers, who will be part of the coordinating mechanism for the conference.

Cabrall explained that the response from members of the public was indeed enthusiastic, and for various reasons, including needs and fit, they were not able to take all.

However, the legacy of the conference is the creation of a database of skilled and talented individuals that they can tap into for future national exercises.

Sheila Roseau, the National Coordinator of the Conference, expressed her appreciation to a number of companies and individuals who contributed to the training session. On her list of gratitude are the American University of Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, Subway, Free Trade Zone, Awesome Development Ventures (ADV) Jolly Harbour, and Savita’s Delight-AUA.

Volunteering for the SIDS4 Conference is expected to leave a lasting impact on the scores of individuals who signed up. They will be exposed to a life-changing opportunity while playing an essential role in contributing to the future of island nations across the globe.