Continuing in the association’s 15-year anniversary celebrations, the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) is gearing up to host its annual youth parliament sitting. The debates will take place on Tuesday 29th November, 2016 at the National Assembly Chambers beginning at 9 a.m.
The youth parliamentarians will propose a resolution to establish a National Archives Centre. The order paper also includes amendments to the National Honours Act. The mock parliamentary sitting will include responses to questions on the Federal Youth Policy, The National Performing Arts Centre, and the Decriminalization of Marijuana. SKNYPA’s Public Relations Officers Azuree Liburd and Christian Nathaniel will lead the debate as Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition respectively. The youth parliament sitting will be chaired by SKNYPA’s president, Azard Gumbs fulfilling the role of Speaker of the house. The federation’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors will also participate in the debate.
In speaking with the Committee Chair, Ms. Kerissa Roberts this year’s youth parliament sitting will be extraordinary. “A number of debaters would have participated in the Association’s inaugural Desmond E. Ward Primary School Debate competition in 2011,” Roberts said. “Most members of the association have taken on advisory roles to coach and prepare this year’s debaters.”