Graduating student Leon Lewis from the Caribbean School of Media and Communication in Jamaica was one of two WACC partners taking part in the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 2026 assembly. He was also the youngest delegate. Discover what he is taking home with him.

Attending the recent 57th Annual General Assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union in Georgetown, Guyana, was an experience that I am incredibly grateful for.

Held under the theme “Caribbean Media & Artificial Intelligence,” the AGA brought together media professionals, broadcasters, academics, policymakers, content creators, and technology specialists from across the region to consider how AI is shaping the future of Caribbean media.

WACC-supported delegate Leon Lewis (r) working together with other delegates during the CBU Annual General Assembly 2026. Photo courtesy of Leon Lewis.

As a young media professional and soon-to-be graduate of the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, one of my biggest takeaways was the importance of understanding AI not simply as a technological development, but as something that will fundamentally influence how we create, distribute, and consume Caribbean stories.

The conversations around responsible AI, authenticity, verification, and the role of human judgement challenged me to think more critically about how I use these tools in my own work. The message that technology should support, rather than replace, the journalist and storyteller particularly resonated with me.

A significant highlight for me was being able to contribute to the presentation of my director, Dr Patrick Prendergast, on the late Professor Aggrey Brown.

I had the opportunity to produce a video that helped tell the story of Prof. Brown’s impact, and seeing that work become part of the CBU’s recognition of his legacy was especially meaningful to me. Prof. Brown was inducted into the CBU Caribbean Media Hall of Fame during the AGA, making the moment even more significant.

Beyond the sessions themselves, what really defined the experience for me was the access to people.

I was able to ask questions, have conversations, and seek answers directly from media professionals from across the Caribbean. Those interactions gave me perspectives that I could not have gained from a classroom or online research alone. They also allowed me to build relationships and significantly expand my professional network.

I was told that I was the youngest delegate at the AGA, and while that was initially surprising, I came to see it as an advantage. It encouraged me to put myself out there, introduce myself, ask questions, and make my presence known.

Being surrounded by people with years of experience reminded me that there is value in being young in this industry. I may not have all the answers yet, but I can bring curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn.

Ultimately, I left Guyana with more than just new knowledge. I left with new connections, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of where I want to position myself within Caribbean media.

What began as an opportunity to attend an AGA became an opportunity to learn, contribute, connect, and see myself as part of the wider Caribbean media community.

Our partners representing WACC at the CBU events took part through our Communication for All Program (CAP), with support from Bread for the World – Germany.

Top image: Leon Lewis (fourth from left) with fellow delegates at the 57th annual general assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, held in Georgetown, Guyana, in August 2026. Photo courtesy of Leon Lewis.