Basseterre, St. Kitts - The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association, commonly referred to as SKNYPA, celebrates its 8th year of existence, this September."A bronze spark ignites a great light," is the theme of this year's Anniversary week of Activities. Looking back at the SKNYPA’s past, the idea of creating such a group came from the Director of Youth, Mr. Jeffery Hanley, who after visiting the Bahamas and personally witnessing its youth parliamentarians in action, thought it best to introduce the same structure here in St. Kitts. Mr. Desmond E. Ward, (then Parliamentary Co-ordinator), was given the responsibility of training the group, as it pertained to parliamentary procedures, speech writing, and debates. The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association, since then has grown not only in size, but its commitment towards nation building.

 It is safe to say that the group has done much since its inception. One only has to look at work done this year, to prove that the association is much more than just pretty faces and idle talk. During the 2008-2009 period, we have already hosted two symposiums, one on Crime Prevention and Social Security Reform. The association recently volunteered in beach clean-ups held by the Turtle Monitoring Network. SKNYPA has held two Parliamentary Sittings, where we have publicly debated legislation on the Integrity in Public Life Bill 2008, along with resolutions, as it pertains to environmental and social issues. We have, as a group, held many in cabinet meetings where we have discussed the Green Paper on Education, the Mental Health Bill, the Probation on Child Welfare Act, and the Juvenile Act. 

SKNYPA members sit on various external committees and groups such as the National Passport on Crime, where Melissa Bryant is the representative; Project YES, where Azilla Clarke is the representative; the Brimestone Hill Heritage Society, where Gabbriele Ruban is the representative and Project IRIE, where Azard Gumbs sits as the group’s representative.

SKNYPA regularly hosts membership drives to recruit new member and intends to hosts another later in the year.
Nonetheless, the group seeks to make its Anniversary celebration one to remember, and invites the general public to share in the excitement.
 
On Monday 7th, members of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association square off against the members of S.O.S in a heated debate on the topic "Privatization of service-oriented government entities is the best option for fiscal prudence". The confirmed venue is Players Dining Room, at Warner Park at 7 p.m.
 
On Tuesday 8th, the group holds its Youth Congress on Entertainment and Societal issues, under the theme to Lead, not follow!  Where and when? The Newtown Community Centre at 6:30 p.m.
 
On Thursday 10th, the association, coupled with a number of invited young persons, will debate on the National Assembly Elections Act, where they will propose the amendments, as well as a Code of Conduct. 

 The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association has partnered with the Ministry of Health for the annual commemoration of Caribbean Wellness Day on Friday September 11th 2009. As a result, on Friday 11th, at the Lawn Tennis Club, 8 p. m- 2 a. m, SKNYPA hosts its first ever dance-a-thon: “Dance til’ u foot hut u!” This event is designed to re-introduce to the general public the value of dance as a cost –effective and fun exercise routines! There will be competitions and exhibitions throughout the entire night as we go back in time to reminisce with the songs that made us move. Healthy refreshments will be on sale. Cost per person is merely ten dollars. All funds raised will go towards upcoming SKNYPARIAN projects.

On Saturday 12th, SKNYPA holds its Annual General Meeting, where there would be an overview of the work of the Association, induction of new members and the election of a new executive body. The Guest Speaker is Ms. Wendy Phillips. The proceeding starts at 4 p.m. Venue is to be confirmed.

The Outgoing Executive Members are as followed: Ms. Azilla Clarke (President)
                                                                   Ms. Melissa Bryant ( Vice- President)
                                                                   Ms. Patrice Harris (General Secretary)
                                                                   Ms. Claudja Bradshaw ( Assistant General Secretary)
                                                                   Mr. Cosbert Woods (Treasurer)
                                                                   Ms. Gabbriele Ruban (Assistant Treasurer)
                                                                   Ms. Shadine Julius (Public Relations Officer)
                                                                   Mr. Azard Gumbs (Public Relations Officer)
                                                                  
The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association is a non-profit, non-governmental youth organization launched in 2001 with a mandate to be an enabling agent for the open and honest discussion of national issues and a driving force for positive youth involvement in the political and legislative processes in St. Kitts and Nevis. The motto of the Association is “Equality and Justice in Nation Building.”