Two Antiguans and Barbudans have ended successful participation in the 13th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Regional Youth Parliament Sitting in St. Kitts & Nevis.
They are Kamalie Mannix,18, who represented the opposition and Ikayla Caesar, 16, who represented the government.
The topic of discussion surrounded the UN Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The Sitting saw participation from the following countries: St. Kitts, Nevis, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands.
A total of 23 debaters were divided into two sides: Government and Opposition. Twelve (12) persons sat on the Government Bench and Eleven (11) on the Opposition Bench.
Ade O’Neal (Barbados) was adjudged the Best Speaker on the Government Bench.
Kamalie Mannix (Antigua and Barbuda) was adjudged Best Speaker on the Opposition Bench.
Mr. Azard Gumbs, President of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association and Coordinator of this year’s CPA Regional Parliamentary Sitting moderated the debate by playing the role of Speaker.
Ms. Rhea Matthew and Ms. Kara Daly of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association assisted by playing the roles of Clerk and Deputy Clerk respectively. Mr. Mauriel Knight of the Basseterre High School played the role of Sergeant at arms.
According to Mr. Gumbs the youth parliament sitting was of a high standard. He stated that events like these give young people an opportunity to represent their countries, develop their public speaking ability and give them a foretaste of parliamentary procedure.
The event ended last Friday in St. Kitts.
