The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA), in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO), proudly announces that Grenadian soca artiste Jevaughn John, popularly known as V’ghn, has been appointed the Caribbean’s first-ever WIPO Intellectual Property (IP) Youth Ambassador.
This landmark designation by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) marks a transformative moment for Grenada and the region’s creative industries, affirming the Caribbean’s and Grenada’s growing influence in the global creative economy. The appointment is the result of a strategic partnership between CAIPO and GOCA, reflecting a shared vision to elevate IP awareness and advocacy across creative sectors.
Senator the Honourable Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, expressed his support, stating, “We are profoundly proud of Jevaughn John’s historic appointment as the region’s first-ever WIPO IP Youth Ambassador. This is indeed another ‘Wow’ moment for Grenada. We share the immense joy and sense of accomplishment this brings personally to V’ghn and collectively to us as a people. Grenada is with you; grace the region with your best foot forward.”
Senator the Honourable Claudette Joseph, Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs, also celebrated the appointment, stating, “Mr. John’s appointment is truly significant as it makes him the 16th WIPO IP Youth Ambassador in the world and the 1st in the Caribbean. The Government of Grenada hopes that Grenadian youths will be inspired by Mr. John’s example of using IP tools to protect his works. I ask all Grenadians to join me in congratulating Mr. John on his great achievement.”
A Regional Creative Champion
At just 29, V’ghn has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic cultural voices, winning Grenada’s Groovy Soca Monarch in 2019 and collaborating with leading Soca Artistes throughout the Caribbean. Now, in his new role as WIPO IP Youth Ambassador, he will leverage his platform to promote IP literacy, creative entrepreneurship, and the protection of cultural assets.
“You can’t be on stage forever, but your music will stream forever—because music never dies,” said V’ghn. “Protecting our IP is about securing our legacy and building wealth for generations to come.”
Path to the Global Stage
V’ghn’s journey to this global honour began in 2024, when Grenada was named “Spotlight Country” at the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva. Although Hurricane Beryl disrupted his planned performance, CAIPO and GOCA continued to champion his nomination, culminating in WIPO’s official recognition in early 2025.
“V’ghn’s appointment reflects the kind of visionary leadership we are cultivating through Grenada’s creative economy,” said Orlando Romain, Advisor and Ambassador to the Government of Grenada with responsibility for the creative industry. “This moment is a powerful symbol of what’s possible when we invest in our people, our culture, and our intellectual property. V’ghn embodies the spirit of a new generation—talented, grounded, and globally relevant. He is proof that Grenada’s creative capital belongs on the world stage.”
Registrar of CAIPO, Robert Branch, added, “This is a milestone not just for V’ghn but for every Grenadian creator. Intellectual property is the currency of the future, and this appointment amplifies the power of owning and protecting our cultural expressions.”
About the WIPO IP Youth Ambassadors Programme
Established in 2019, the WIPO IP Youth Ambassadors Programme honours young creators who demonstrate leadership in IP awareness and innovation. Ambassadors undergo specialised IP training and serve as national and international representatives for youth engagement in IP matters. V’ghn’s selection followed a rigorous evaluation of his contributions to culture and his advocacy for creative rights and sustainability.
What’s Next
V’ghn is set to perform at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva on July 14, 2025, as part of Grenada’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebration. His presence highlights Grenada’s continued investment in IP education, youth empowerment, and creative sector development.
GOCA and CAIPO invite all Grenadians and Caribbean nationals to celebrate this historic first as V’ghn steps forward—not just as a soca star but as a steward of innovation, culture, and Caribbean creativity.
