YOUTH TO WEIGH IN ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND GIVE RECOMMENDATIONS DURING FORUM WITH CABINET TOMORROW, THURSDAY

Three hundred young people, 200 from St. Kitts and 100 from Nevis, between the ages of 12 and 35 years have been invited to the open engagement with the government leaders. Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Azard Gumbs, noted that the participants include students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, members of youth organizations, differently-abled youth, youth from faith-based institutions and others. The leadership of the schools, organizations and associations independently selected its representatives.

Individuals not affiliated with any group are also invited. Mr. Gumbs said that transportation has been arranged for interested individuals. A government marked bus will leave the Basseterre Ferry Terminal at 8:45 a.m. to transport persons to the venue at Frigate Bay.

At the session, the first hour, – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – will be used for participant registration. This will allow teachers to keep track of their students and will give enough time for representatives from Nevis to arrive. This will be followed by a brief opening ceremony. The Cabinet members will then greet the attendees and make a brief presentation. The question and answer segment will immediately follow.

“We want young people to express themselves openly and respectfully during the frank dialogue,” Mr. Gumbs said, adding that he was looking forward to the event.

At the end of the Q and A segment, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Akilah Byron-Nisbett, will make a five minute presentation on recommendations to parliament regarding youth development. There will then be a 10 minute Q and A. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m. and then the dismissal.