Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 27, 2020 (SKNIS): Twenty-five (25) outstanding teens in the Federation were highly commended by His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, QC, JP, LL. D, Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis, for their outstanding contributions to nation-building.
The statement was read during the 25 Most Remarkable Teens (MRTs) Awards at a special sitting of Parliament on Thursday, November 26, by Jalen Monzac, a member of the Youth Ambassador Corps, on behalf of the Governor-General, who commended the teens on their achievement.
“I wish to take this opportunity to offer congratulations and commendation to the 25 Most Remarkable Teens. This years’ cohort once again demonstrates issues ranging from school pride, sports and academics, the culinary arts to coping positively with challenges,” the statement read. “The range and scope of the activities successfully pursued by the awardees are indeed impressive. I have only enumerated some of these, but they all represent youth in action overcoming obstacles in this challenging COVID-19 environment.”
In his message, His Excellency encouraged the young people to continue to make meaningful contributions to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I urge all 25 of you and other aspirants to continue on your journey. This acclaim is but the first step in reinforcing your citizenship and patriotism.”
The teens were awarded in the following categories: most promising; academics; technology; writing; sports; environmentalism; youth activism; performing and visual arts; culinary arts; school pride; volunteerism; spiritual commitment, music and leadership. Personal decisions to change; the spirit of hope; coping positively with challenges and courage to overcome also formed part of the list.
The 25 MRTs, a youth recognition initiative in the Federation, was founded in November 2011 by the Department of Youth Empowerment and is the only one of its kind in the region. To date, a total of 250 teens have been awarded under this programme.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts September 15th , 2020 (SKNYPA) On the occasion of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association’s (SKNYPA) 19th Anniversary, and coinciding with the 37th Anniversary of Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis, the SKNYPA hosted its Annual Youth Parliament Sitting at the National Assembly Chambers, Church Street, Basseterre.
Members of SKNYPA were divided into two groups: Government and Opposition, where topics of national interest were debated. The Government led by Patrice Harris, President of SKNYPA was comprised of Hasani McDonald, Duanna Bradley, Chadi Garnette, Vikel Edwards-Douglas, Joel Smith and Jeremiah Welcome. Opposition led by Mauriel Knight, Vice President of SKNYPA was comprised of Maleah Erskine, Chris Tyson, Chanah Crossman, Jalen Monzac and Jalanie Belle.
Members of the Government benches moved the Resolution on Economic Diversification focusing on Disaster Management and Prevention, the Covid-19 Pandemic and the importance of technology. Economic diversification is a key element of economic development and a lack thereof is often associated with increased vulnerability to external shocks that can undermine prospects for longer-term economic growth.
Opposition members also moved a resolution on Proportional Representation. The Resolution aims to abolish the boundaries concept entrenched within the Constitution and electoral system where parties triumph on “popularity” or “majority votes.” The proportional system was brought as a means of redressing the anomalies arising under majority or plurality systems whereby a party may win more seats with fewer votes than its opponents.
Ms. Kara Daly served as Speaker of the House, Mr Haniff Charles served as Clerk, both of whom are members of SKNYPA and Ms Jessica Harrigan, a Member of the St. Kitts Nevis Pathfinders served as the Sargeant at Arms.
SKNYPA wishes to sincerely thank all who attended, both physically and virtually.
SKNYPA expresses appreciation to Speaker of the House, the Honourable Michael Perkins and Parliamentary Officers for allowing the association to host the Parliamentary Sitting, ZIZ and SKNIS for their assistance in media coverage, and alumnus Ms. Jihan Willims for her guidance and mentorship.
SKNYPA is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-partisan youth organization geared towards being the voice for youth of the federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. The Youth Parliamentary Debate undoubtedly provided young people with a national platform to voice their concerns and allow them to offer creative suggestions through well informed and collaborative research. SKNYPA continues to strive to be an enabling agent for the open and honest discussion of national issues and the driving force for positive youth involvement in politics and the legislative process.
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