~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (December 01, 2006): Youth Month celebrations climaxed on Thursday when Youth Parliamentarians entered the National Assembly Chambers to debate The Youth Investment Development Bill of 2006.

Eight members of Government and seven Opposition members took their seats to deliver a spirited and informative debate on the pros and cons of the proposed mock legislation. The main proposal called for the establishment of a Youth Empowerment Commission.

The Commission will be responsible for lobbying and advocating for protection of the rights of youth; identifying appropriate projects for youth development and promoting and monitoring the progress of youth initiatives and programmes.

Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS that the session was extremely productive. He noted that the actual lawmaking body of St. Kitts and Nevis has adopted some recommendations from the mock debates in the past and explained that attention will be paid to yesterday's meeting.

~~Adz:Right~~Meanwhile, tribute was paid to corporate entities as well as individuals for their continued partnership with the Youth Department. At Tuesday's National Youth Symposium Curtis Martin of Cable and Wireless and Nick Menon of T.D.C. were presented plaques by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth Hon. Sam Condor.

Mr. Menon expressed gratitude on behalf of his company and challenged the young people to develop more projects and apply to companies such as his for support.

Individual awards were presented on Thursday after the mock parliament. Medals were presented to persons for youth development, community involvement and volunteerism. The awardees were drawn from various fields including the private and public sector, police, scouts and faith-based institutions among others.

Director Hanley also presented the Director's Award to Ian Richards for his outstanding contribution and support to the Youth Department.