Represented at the first National Youth Consultation are secondary school students from both St. Kitts and Nevis, students of tertiary-level institutions in the Federation, Special Olympics, representatives of the St. Kitts and Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities, officials from various sporting organizations, young entrepreneurs, as well as inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison.
The forum is being held at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel in Frigate Bay.
Each Minister opened with a brief introduction of themselves and the portfolios for which they are responsible. The Government leaders also expressed their hope for the first National Youth Consultation.
In welcoming remarks, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris commended the young people for being a part of this historic consultation.
Prime Minister Harris said, “We are delighted by the opportunity to interact with you, the future generation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Our task is to work with you, to leave for you a St. Kitts and Nevis of which you can be proud and of which you would want to build, to make safer, better and more prosperous.”
The Honourable Prime Minister also used the opportunity to impress upon the young people his Government’s concern and commitment in tackling crime.
Dr. Harris added, “As a Government, we are truly concerned that too many of our young people are dying as a result of senseless killing, and we hope that during the course of this conversation with you today we can have ideas about what you can do and what we can do collectively as a society.”
An open and lively question and answer segment followed the Ministers’ introductions. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett is also expected to make a five-minute presentation on recommendations to Parliament regarding youth development.
The National Youth Consultation forms part of a calendar of activities, which commenced this month to celebrate the four-year anniversary of the Team Unity Government.
