ABWU Youth Congress 2025 to Spotlight Entrepreneurship and Resilience with Expert Speaker Lineup

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has announced a compelling lineup of speakers for its 2025 Youth Congress, promising a day of inspiration, practical insight, and empowerment for the nation’s emerging workforce.

The annual event, set for August 20 at the ABWU’s Freedom Hall, is themed “Adaptability to Ensure Sustainability: Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Youth”, is expected to gather approximately 200 young workers for a full day of presentations and discussions focused on preparing for the rapidly changing world of work.

This year’s speakers bring global expertise, grassroots experience, and practical tools that will guide participants to create and maximise opportunities to excel in their careers and business endeavours.

Leading the roster is Jamion Knight, an international psychotherapist and former UNESCO official. Knight, who once oversaw development programmes across Latin America, is also the first Antiguan and Barbudan to serve in a professional post at UNESCO since its founding in 1945.

Now the founder of the Mental Fitness Centre and Knight Global Development Group, he will speak on resilience and mental flexibility, helping delegates sharpen the emotional and cognitive skills needed to navigate modern workplace challenges and uncertainty.

Also taking the stage is Sashagay Middleton, a corporate leader and climate justice advocate who has led over 30 environmental and disaster-relief projects across the region, valued at more than US$2 million. Middleton, a Chevening and Mill Reef Fund Scholar, currently manages corporate accounts at Liberty Caribbean and serves as the local crisis management coordinator.

Her presentation, “Opportunities and Preparation,” will guide youth in identifying career and business opportunities and preparing strategically for leadership roles in a complex global environment.

Cassandra Simon, a veteran accountant and public sector professional with more than two decades of experience, will round out the speaker lineup. A graduate of Otto’s Comprehensive School and UWI Cave Hill, Simon spent 10 years in government service and now works in public practice.

She will present on “Entrepreneurship with Purpose,” helping young people understand the foundations of building financially sound, sustainable businesses that create long-term value.

The ABWU Youth Congress has long served as a platform for amplifying youth voices within the labour movement and promoting policies that reflect their needs and aspirations. Organisers say this year’s focus on adaptability and innovation is especially timely.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required.