BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - TO commemorate the 10th anniversary of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association’s official launch, members debated the Draft Federal Youth Policy, in a mock sitting of National Assembly in the Chambers today, September 13.
The youths discussed the actual Draft Federal Youth Policy which is said to be an operational framework with a set of realistic guidelines. From these guidelines, action programmes and services can be developed to facilitate meaningful involvement of youth in national development efforts. The programmes will also be designed to respond to their various needs.
Also debated was a resolution endorsing the theme and activities for the 28th Independence Anniversary and an update on the recently concluded Phase two of the National Cultural Policy was given.
A message coming from the Governor General, His Excellency Sir. Cuthbert Sebastian was read and members of the “third fastest relay team in the world” were recognised, two of whom present at the sitting – Delwayne Delaney and Antione Adams.
Minister of Sports, Hon. Glenn Phillip and Hon. Patrice Nisbett were also present at the sitting.
Co-ordinator and former Youth Parliamentarian, Ms. Jihan Williams said that the Federal Youth Policy was drafted by the Ministry of Youth and submitted to Cabinet but has not been debated as yet.
She also said that after the debate of the Youth Parliamentarians, the ideas and information gathered will be presented to Cabinet.
The debaters and other participants included:
The Government Benches: Ms. Patrice Harris (Prime Minister), Ms. Leanne Knight (Deputy Prime Minister), Mr. Kazrano Gumbs, Mr. Otis Jeffers, Ms. Desi Brown, Ms. Donalene Roberts, Ms. Shanequa Hazel, Ms. Nezrene Roberts, Ms. Azuree Liburd and Mr. Jabez Harris.
The Opposition Benches: Ms. Isalean Phillip (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Haniff Charles, Mr. Patrick Walters, Ms. Merv Ann Thompson, Mr. Crios Freeman, Mr. Dennis McCall, Ms. Elsie Harry, Ms. Valishah Lindsay and Mr. JeNise Carty.
SKNYPA was founded by current Director of Youth Mr. Geoffrey Hanley and the late Desmond Ward in 1999 but officially launched on September 13, 2001.
