BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ‘ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIETY’ is the theme for the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association’s (SKNYPA) first-ever Youth Congress, slated for 7 p.m. tomorrow evening (Sept. 8) at the Newtown Community Centre.
Youth from all over St. Kitts are expected to be present for the session, which will feature presentations from distinguished local artistes including calypsonian ‘King’ Konris Maynard, playwright Kesha Isaac, reggae singer Masud Sadiki and poet Samal Duggins.
Each presenter will address issues specific to their background and the effect that entertainment has on the population.
According to organiser Patrice Harris, the specific topic is “Entertainment and Societal Issues: To Lead and Not to Follow”. The SKNYPA member revealed that the congress was inspired by the number of sexually provocative party posters around Basseterre.
“When you look at most party ads, there are always images of half-dressed women. It seems like that’s what is appealing to the majority, but I know there are persons who consider it disgusting. SKNYPA wanted a perspective on the matter that was broader and more informed than that of our membership, so the idea for the congress came up.”
Harris was hopeful that a youth-backed code of conduct for advertisements, street parades and public performances would be created during the congress. She encouraged young people to attend and give their input, and said she expected that a variety of ideas and suggestions would be discussed.
“Most performers or advertisers will tell you that sex sells, and revenue is their bottom line. There may be the opposing religious perspective, where morality is their bottom line. Then you have those who fall in the middle who think a compromise on entertainment values can be reached,” she explained.
“There are lots of issues to be explored and I think the congress will be an eye-opening experience for everyone.”
Harris noted that the congress was being held as part of SKNYPA’s Eighth Anniversary Week of Activities. Launched in 2001, SKNYPA is a non-partisan youth group with the mandate of involving youth in national decision-making processes.
