A landmark gathering for young change-makers across the region is set to kick off in Saint Lucia this fall, as the Caribbean island nation prepares to welcome roughly 170 delegates to the annual Junior Chamber International (JCI) West Indies National Convention. Scheduled to run from October 7 to 10 at the popular Bay Gardens venue, the four-day event is tailor-made for young people committed to driving tangible positive transformation in their local communities.
Founded in 1915, JCI—more commonly known as the Jaycees—is a worldwide non-profit movement that empowers young people between the ages of 18 and 40. The organization’s core mission centers on nurturing leadership skills, expanding access to community service opportunities, and supporting emerging entrepreneurial ventures, equipping a new generation to create lasting impact both at home and across the globe. Each year, the JCI West Indies National Convention rotates between member countries, making this year’s hosting by Saint Lucia a special milestone for the local chapter.
To finalize event logistics and align planning goals, JCI West Indies National President Regina Bunbury traveled to Saint Lucia for an official working visit from June 12 to 17. Speaking with local reporters during her trip, Bunbury shared that anticipation for the upcoming convention is running high, noting that significant progress has already been made in preparations. The gathering marks a key moment for JCI Saint Lucia, which only reaffiliated with the JCI West Indies regional body last year and is currently in an active period of new member recruitment.
Bunbury emphasized the unique value the organization offers to young Saint Lucians, saying, “If someone is looking to build themselves, to learn skills in entrepreneurship and personal development, they want a network, they’re passionate about community action or community development, JCI Saint Lucia is that organisation that I will encourage any young person between ages 18 to 40 to join and be a part of this great movement that has been in existence since 1915.”
Heading up the local organizing effort is Shan Lucien, president of JCI Saint Lucia. Lucien’s connection to the organization took off in 2024, when she was crowned Jaycees Queen—a victory that ended a 39-year drought for Saint Lucia, which had not claimed the title since 1985. She told reporters that preparations for the convention are proceeding smoothly, and framed the event as a life-changing opportunity for every attendee. Beyond workshops and planning sessions, Lucien highlighted that the convention will serve as a critical networking hub for young professionals across the region.
“We are also going to be networking because we have individuals in various professions around the region who are capable, who have experience, and so the convention serves as a platform for us to be able to get and share that experience from and with each other,” Lucien explained. For any young people interested in attending the 2024 JCI West Indies National Convention, registration is still open by reaching out directly to President Shan Lucien or any active JCI member based in Saint Lucia.