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 Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 15, 2022 (SKNIS): A 30-member delegation headed by Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honourable Jonel Powell, left St. Kitts and Nevis on Monday (March 14) to participate in Expo 2020 being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The delegation includes the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Valencia Syder, the 15 winners of the Youth Empowerment Department’s essay competition, four students, and Principal Miguel Thomas of the Verchilds High School, chaperones and other officials.

While in Dubai, the delegation will be kept busy with activities that will immerse them in the rich history and culture of the UAE. They will also be exposed to experiences that showcase dishes, entertainment, technology, arts and culture, and much more from the 192 countries at the Country Pavilion section of the Expo.

Mauriel Knight, one of the essay competition winners, said that he was “ecstatic” about the educational travel opportunity.
“I really enjoy learning about new cultures,” he stated, noting that the Country Pavilion section is essentially the world in one area. “I really look forward to seeing those different cultures as we tour the different booths.”

Kyea Phipps, a national living in Dieppe Bay, is a third-year student at the University of Guyana. She is pursuing a degree in agriculture and entered the essay competition, which called for papers on the theme ‘How Do We Sustainably Grow Food to Meet Future Demand.’ The content in the essay qualified her to be a part of the delegation to Dubai. However, Ms. Phipps stated that this experience is an introduction to a larger goal.

“I will encourage them (persons) to get more into sustainable agriculture,” she said, noting that she will lead by example by establishing her own backyard farm. After completing her studies, she also intends to teach locals about sustainable farming methods.

The delegation returns to St. Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.