Basseterre, St. Kitts (March 01, 2005): Activities commemorating February as Youth Month concluded with a sitting of the National Youth Parliament on Monday.
Seventeen young people sat on the government and opposition benches in the National Assembly Chambers at Government Headquarters. Before a packed audience of school students, teachers and youth advocates, they debated issues on implementing seat belt laws, animal owners liability for damages to motor vehicles, sustainable development and sexual harassment in the workplace.
Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley noted that the National Youth Parliament sitting was a fitting way to close Youth Month. The young people in parliament were very passionate about the issues, he said. It was a clear demonstration of the high intellectual capabilities of our young people and speaks well for the future of the Federation.
Hanley indicated that the topics discussed at youth parliament have had an impact on bills and resolutions introduced by the elected Federal Parliament.
I try to stress to young parliamentarians that they are making a difference, he stated, citing the law passed a few years ago that required motorcycle riders to wear helmets. That is something that was first addressed in youth parliament.
Fadil Imo was named the most outstanding speaker for this session.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth Hon. Sam Condor signaled the start of the month-long observance on February 1, during a radio and television broadcast. Since then, youths have been kept busy over the 28-day period engaging in various developmental and empowerment endeavours.
Highlights included a Youth Action Meeting, Youth Rally and Healthy Lifestyle Expo, church service, talent concert and beachnic. The director indicated that Youth Month 2005 was a tremendous success and expressed gratitude to the various agencies and individuals who contributed.
The government continues to give full support to youth-related activities. Minister Condor explained that government will spare no effort in deepening its efforts at various levels and institutions. He committed the Ministry of Youth to designing and implementing practical programmes of action which take into account the ambitions and needs of young people.
