UPDATED - 3rd September 2025

I wanted to share a transparent update with you regarding the direction of the project. While I set out to document stories across five Caribbean islands, some unexpected challenges behind the scenes—particularly around the level of support I’d anticipated—have made it clear that I need to scale back for now.

This has not been an easy decision, but after much reflection and dealing with overwhelm, I’ve decided instead of the five; to focus the project on just two islands: St. Kitts and Nevis. This adjustment allows me to move forward in a more sustainable and impactful way, without compromising the heart of the storytelling I’m so passionate about.

I remain deeply committed to this work and believe this new, more focused approach will still celebrate the richness and complexity of Caribbean stories in a powerful way. Same aims, just less islands...for now!

🎭 ‘Beyond The Lens: One Caribbean, Many Stories.’

Empowering Caribbean Youth Through Drama & Film.

Hi, I’m Elishah St Juste, a passionate creative and proud member of ASKaND (Association of St Kitts and Nevis Descendants).

I’m launching a mission to use the power of the arts, drama and film to equip, uplift, and empower young people across the Caribbean.

This is more than a creative project. It’s a tool for transformation—giving young people a safe space to express themselves, build confidence, explore challenges they face, and access the services and support they need.

🎬 What the Project Involves

For phase 1, I will collaborate with youth groups and local/Caribbean Heritage videographers in St Kitts and Nevis to develop short, powerful, youth-led films focused on real issues, such as mental health, crime, abuse, and consent, to name a few.

The films will feature local voices, real stories, and practical solutions. Each project will also highlight organisations and services that youth can access for support—bridging the gap between help and awareness for participants and viewers, alike.

- Why This Matters

This initiative builds on the success of previous youth-led creative projects:

‘Crossroads’ (2017) - This project was co-designed with Serena McMormack of Master’s Touch. I collaborated with two high schools in St. Kitts to create short films addressing real issues faced by young people on the island. The project concluded with a screening event featuring talks from local services and organisations dedicated to supporting youth and families. Learn more here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zeGUXPUDythA-W19EjNtwGnPV8rrcLJvnF9N2pHK6p4/edit?usp=sharing

‘Speak Your Mind’ (2018) - In partnership with the St. Kitts Mental Health Association, I collaborated with a high school group to create a short film exploring stress and depression among young people. Learn more here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zeGUXPUDythA-W19EjNtwGnPV8rrcLJvnF9N2pHK6p4/edit?usp=sharing

‘Music and Monologues’ (2024) - In partnership with Marcia Jeffers of Synergy Movements St. Kitts, I worked with a group of aspiring actors to develop their stage acting skills and create monologues exploring various social issues. These pieces were performed live at our event that combined music, spoken word, and presentations from local service representatives. Learn more here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zeGUXPUDythA-W19EjNtwGnPV8rrcLJvnF9N2pHK6p4/edit?usp=sharing

Across the Caribbean, young people have shown a hunger for this kind of work. What’s missing is the investment to make it consistent, sustainable, and impactful.

🎬 Why Drama & Film?

Drama isn't just about performance—it’s a powerful catalyst for healing, learning, and growth. This project offers young people:

✅ A safe, creative outlet

✅ A sense of agency and voice

✅ Space to explore emotions and identity

✅ Community connection through shared experience

- The Hidden Value: Skills for Life:

While the films are powerful in themselves, the process develops highly transferable skills that open doors to future opportunities, including:

- Public speaking & self-confidence

- Teamwork & creative collaboration

- Problem-solving & time management

- Digital storytelling & media production

- Leadership, professionalism & accountability

- Critical thinking & communication

These skills apply to future roles in the creative industries, tourism, education, leadership or any sector that values emotionally intelligent, capable individuals—and everyday life.

🌍 Where It’s Happening:

- St. Kitts

- Nevis

🎥 Unity through Storytelling:

The final films will be showcased at a community screening event, with the aim to stream live for wider audiences engagement. Youth participants will share their experiences—fostering connection, pride, unity, visibility, and a shared sense of purpose across the Caribbean, while inspiring audiences around the world.

💸 How Funds Will Be Used

Your donation will help cover:

🛥️ Travel between islands (boats & ground transport)

🎬 Videographer

📝 Resources, supplies and contingency, venue hire and screening

🧾 A stipend to support Facilitation, Project coordination, delivery and meals. Heavily reduced day/weekly rate.

While this work has been largely voluntary to continue this important work sustainably, a portion of the funds raised will support project coordination, facilitation, and logistics, ensuring this initiative reaches young people on multiple islands and is delivered with care and consistency.

I will also be seeking sponsorship, primarily to support the screening events, covering costs such as venues, refreshments, and related expenses.

🌱 The Bigger Picture:

Drama and film are powerful on the surface, but their benefits run even deeper. Through this creative process, young people will also develop essential transferable skills that can serve them for life.

This project aims to:

- Reduce youth vulnerability to crime and violence

- Encourage emotional intelligence and mental wellbeing

- Foster creativity, confidence, resilience and community care

- Connect youth to local resources and opportunities

- Create jobs, awareness, and connections

- Build future-ready, compassionate leaders

- Provide purpose and direction for young people

- Inspire a generation of emotionally intelligent change-makers

- Create safer, healthier communities; ripple effect - Boosted tourism

- Open doors to creative careers and economic opportunities

- Empower youth to support each other/ stronger youth voices

Many of the Caribbean islands are emerging as filming destinations, but local youth often aren’t exposed to the industry or trained to access those opportunities. This project introduces them to digital storytelling and media, while also boosting their understanding of film terminology and the industry.

These 2 islands are just the beginning. If I raise more, I will add more islands to the project!

“We’re not just telling stories. We’re shaping futures.”

💡 Project Highlights:

- 2 youth-led short films on key social issues

- Community screening and live-streamed event across the islands

- Showcasing local services and support networks

- Empowering youth to educate, inspire, and lead

💜 Your Support Matters:

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us create a lasting, positive impact.

Together, we can amplify youth voices, spark community healing, and build a stronger Caribbean.

Donate today and be part of the transformation.