Basseterre, St.Kitts (Youth of UNITY) -- The inaugural Convention organised by the Youth of Unity (YOU) today, Saturday 23rd August 2014 has been hailed a resounding success.
Chaired by the popular and talented Mr Samal Duggins, the Convention was packed with inspiring and exciting presentations from a variety of local and regional youth activists.
After a word of prayer by Pastor Boris Johnson, the National Anthem was beautifully performed by the young Ms. Amara Huggins.
Mr. Jonel Powell, Team Unity Candidate for Central Basseterre, spoke powerfully to the youths about the need for youth involvement in governmental institutions and boards. Mr. Powell promised that when Team Unity gets into office, the young people will be invited to sit at the table and have their voices heard by serving on important Boards and Committees such as the Social Security Board, and the SIDF. Mr. Powell strongly encouraged the youth to register to vote, so that they can determine the course that this Federation takes in the future.
The Convention was also graced by the presence of the Honourable Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister in the Nevis Island Administration, who led a vibrant contingent of young people from Nevis to the Convention. Minister Brandy-Williams brought greetings from the Members of the Concerned Citizens Movement including Premier Vance Amory, Deputy Premier Mark Brantley and the Hon Alexis Jeffers. The Minister also took the opportunity to encourage all young people, especially the women, to maximize their full potential and to work together to build a better St. Kitts and Nevis. She also pledged to personally give whatever assistance she can to the Youth Of Unity and to future events and activities.
An important presentation was also made by Ms Jolander Isaac who informed the wider audience of the findings of the Youth Of Unity mini-townhall sessions that took place over the past several weeks. She outlined the key areas that young people in general are concerned about, and she also outlined some of Team Unity's plans to address those issues and to bring relief and opportunity to young people across the Federation.
The guest speakers, Mr. Sherwyn Williams from Trinidad, and Senator Vynnette Frederick from St. Vincent, rocked the house with invigorating and dynamic presentations. Mr. Williams highlighted the power of the youth vote and the importance of the youth vote to bring about meaningful change. He spoke convincingly from his broad experience as the youngest campaign manager in Trinidad and Tobago where he was integral in bringing about a change of government in 2010 through mobilization of the youth vote.
Senator Frederick's presentation was nothing short of electrifying. She spoke with passion and with zeal to the large audience about rejecting the politics of the past which only seek to exploit the youth vote without empowering young people and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve. She emphasized that the right to vote is the most important tool of young people, and she implored everyone to exercise that right in favour of Team Unity, the only party which will empower them. It was clear that although the Senator is a youth herself, her words of wisdom were rooted in many years of political experience and were of exceptional value to the Youth of Unity.
Dynamic local talent was also on display at the Youth Convention. Former National Carnival Queen Samantha Boone gave a moving performance of the song "Read all about it". A captivating performance also came from Ms. Kimi-Lee Knight, the most outstanding student in the 2014 CXC exams in St. Kitts and Nevis, who performed a rousing original poem entitled "Tick Tock" and had the audience hanging on her every word as she motivated the youth to think of country first. She also performed another poem entitled "Rise Up" which was a call to positive action for all youth in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Speakers were all ably introduced by CFB Student Ms Brencia Skeete
Nicha B, well-known conscious singer born and bred in St. Kitts, gave a very lively performance which was received well by the crowd who sang along to his songs "Choices", "Don't Judge Me" and "Bounce and Skank".
Closing remarks were made by Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, Leader of Team Unity, who asked the youth in attendance to take note of the election gimmicks that are already coming their way, including the recent announcement that every sixth former will be given $2,500. Dr. Harris made a powerful case to the youth that they must cast their vote based on who will seek to empower them, and not based on gimmicks and tricks which insult their intelligence and their common sense. Dr. Harris made a strong impact on the youth in attendance who cheered him on as he advised them to keep their focus and not get distracted by free concerts and fetes.
The vote of thanks was then rendered by Ms. Talibah Byron. Lots of delicious refreshments were served to the attendees who mingled with the guest speakers, performers, and candidates after the proceedings concluded.
In addition to the many young persons in the audience, the Convention was also graced with the presence of Team Unity candidates Hon. Sam Condor, Hon. Shawn Richards, Hon Eugene Hamilton, Mr. Lindsay Grant, Mr. Ian "Patches" Liburd, and President of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Mr Dehaan Henry, as well as former Government Ministers Michael Powell and Dwyer Astaphan.
The Youth Of Unity executive indicated that today's Convention is just the beginning of a series of exciting activities that are set to take the Nation by storm as the General elections draws closer. More details about the upcoming events will follow shortly
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