Submitted by Austin

A few weeks ago I was introduced to a US based organization called the “Young” Barbadian Professional Society” (YBPS) .  “…The mission of the Young Barbadian Professionals Society YBPS is to garner the intellectual capital of its members to further advance positive transformations in the global Barbadian and Caribbean communities, through the Society’s economic development, education, and philanthropic programs. YBPS is a 501(c)(3) organization.  (from www.ybpsintl.org).

I felt compelled to share the YBPS with the BU family, as it represents Bajans in the diaspora in positive social action….  >>>> Austin

(Exert below also from http://www.ybpsintl.org)

In a casual conversation during the spring of 2005, David Gibbs from the Barbados Consulate Generals Office at New York asked V. Renee Cutting a simple question: where are the other young Barbadian professionals like yourself in the New York region? Renee offered to host a reception to reach out to professionals in the tri-state area and called on her friend, Christian B. Hylton. Together, they hosted a signature Bajan Sunday Lunch and Lime Event with the Hon. Jessica C. Odle, JP, Barbados Consul General at New York at Christian’s home on June 11, 2005. With over 40 guests in attendance, the Young Barbadian Professionals Society (YBPS) was born!

The YBPS’ initial efforts were promptly recognized when, on July 11, 2005, the Barbados’ Advocate, CBC TV, Nation and Starcom Radio all covered a press conference where the Society presented educational toys to the Barbados Child Care Board that were donated from the Bajan Sunday Lunch and Lime.

True to its philanthropic aims, on November 19, 2005, the YBPS held its first annual Independence Fundraising event, “A Blue Yellow Blue Night”, at the NYU Torch Club in Manhattan, with more than 200 guests in attendance. The Society raised $10,000 BDS for the Barbados Learning Center to benefit children with learning disabilities, in St. James, Barbados.

To build on its success, in January 2006 members developed an Organizational Framework and Strategic Plan. In May 2006, the YBPS convened an administrative board and officially launched a formal initiative to become a not-for-profit organization. During the summer of 2006, YBPS developed plans to extend its network beyond the greater New York metropolitan area by formally reaching out to young Barbadian Professionals in the greater Boston and Washington, DC metropolitan areas.

Today, YBPS continues to develop a cadre of innovative programs to carry out its mission of garnering the intellectual capital of its members to further advance positive transformations in the global Barbadian and Caribbean communities, through the Society’s economic development, education, and philanthropic programs….”