Youth Congress - New Executive

Chairperson Kieron Joseph Samaroo
Vice Chairperson Sherwin Williams
General Secretary Jaishree Maharaj
Treasurer Asha Persad
Assistant General Secretary Raenier Hospedales
Sport and Cultural Officer Ms. Latoya Callendar
Education Officer Aleena Ali

Chairperson

Kieron Joseph Samaroo

Kieron Samaroo was elected to the Chairmanship of the Youth Congress.

He joined the COP in 2007 and campaigned assiduously during the General Election, having been based at the St. Augustine Constituency.

He is presently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Economics at the University of the West Indies. He is a past student of Fatima College and Queen's Royal College.

He is the former President of the Youth Development Ministry of the San Juan Wesleyan Holiness Church. In 2005, Kieron represented QRC and the country at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC, where he was appointed Vice Chairman of the Conference. Later in that year, he participated in the National Youth Parliament hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Vice Chairperson

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Lawrence Williams was nominated to be the Vice Chairman of the Youth Congress at the recent election. He joined the COP in 2007.

Sherwin lived and studied in New York, where he pursued a diploma at the Roosevelt Community College, and majored in human psychology and physical education.

Describing himself as passionate about youth development, Sherwin's life revolves around community based work. He is a freelance programme coordinator with the Ministry of Social Development. He is also the PTA President at his sons' schools. As is that weren't enough, Sherwin is also the president of Marigold United football club, and also plays defense. He also is involved in D Drive Corporation, a Laventille-based community initiative.

A dynamic youth ambassador for the party, Sherwin is based at the Laventille East Constituency where he also served as the campaign manager for the seat during the November 2007 election. He has spoken on several public platforms, and is excited at the prospect of young people taking an active role in their political future.

General Secretary

Jaishree Maharaj

Jaishree was one of the first young people to cross the threshold, in taking that step of faith towards the Congress of the People. She entered the party upon formation, and immediately subscribed to the perspective that change was needed in local politics.

When the first Youth Congress Executive was formed, Jaishree was elected as General Secretary. She has campaigned throughout the election period, speaking on platforms and making television and radio appearances. She is based at the St. Augustine Constituency, and served as its Youth Officer during that time. Jaishree has proven that she is indeed passionate about youth affairs.

Jaishree is employed at Columbus Communications as a Customer Service Agent, and has considerable experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, she is pursuing an LLB at the Academy of Tertiary Studies.

Treasurer

Asha Persad

Based in the St. Augustine Constituency, Asha immediately joined the Congress of the People upon its formation. During the November 2007 elections, Asha assisted in campaigning. She joined walk-abouts, and was most active at the constituency headquarters.

Asha has experience in accounting and financial administration. She runs her family's company, ASA Transport Ltd.

Assistant General Secretary

Raenier Hospedales

A founding member of the Congress of the People, Raenier Hospedales played a fundamental role in making the dream of change into a reality. He served as the Youth Officer for St. Joseph in the last executive term. He was also vibrant in the Port of Spain North/ St. Ann's campaign in the November 2007 elections. He has spoken at several campaign meetings and made several public appearances.

Having attended Fatima College, Raenier favours aggressive and decisive political action, such as protests and marches. He sees himself as an 'action man', and as non-conformist to the political structure in Trinidad and Tobago. It was his revolutionary desire for change that led him to the COP.

He is the founder of IT Solutions LTD, and currently serves as their Senior Systems Administrator. In September, Raenier will begin a BSC. Computer Science at the University of the Southern Caribbean.

Sport and Cultural Officer

Ms. Latoya Callendar

Latoya Callendar joined the Congress of the People in 2007. She has previously served as the Assistant General Secretary for the Youth Congress. Additionally, Latoya asserted her belief in New Politics for the entire Caribbean region to see, as she offered herself as the COP candidate for Laventille West in the November 2007 elections. She offered herself for a seat that was under an intense public spotlight. She dynamically spoke on several platforms and public events throughout the campaign and beyond.

Latoya is a lecturer in micro business at Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP). She has excelled at secondary school academics, and is at present pursuing a UK accredited Diploma in Project Management. Latoya will graduate in January 2009.

Education Officer

Aleena Ali

While Aleena would like to have careers in Criminology and Comparative Religion, her ultimate career goal is to become a commercial aircraft pilot. To achieve this, she is presently enrolled at the University of the West Indies, and is pursuing a BSc. Physics, with minors in Environmental Physics and Sociology. She is also studying for a license to operate light aircraft.

Having been the editor of her school's magazine, she developed an interest in writing articles. She enjoys reading, dancing, learning different languages and sport. We hope that she will bring her many skills to the Youth Congress.

Aleena made her support for the New Politics clear, as she began actively campaigning for the COP in June 2007. Subsequently, she was elected as the Youth Officer for the Princes Town North constituency. She also spearheaded the formation of a COP Support Group at U.W.I, dubbed 'Circles of Youth. She served as the Vice President of the group, and they embarked on several political and charity campaigns.

Aleena was re-elected as youth officer for Princes Town North in April 2008.
Email: youth@coptnt.com