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Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 29, 2017 (SKNIS): The model of consultation and open engagement with all sectors of society that was used to formulate the Draft Federal Youth Policy for St. Kitts and Nevis was praised by stakeholders attending a National Consultation on Tuesday (March 28).

 

Javaughn Deeble, Student Council President at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, commended the Department of Youth Empowerment particularly for visiting all secondary and tertiary schools in the federation, which cater to a large number of the target population which are persons within the age 12 to 29 years.

 

“It is something that is commendable,” he stated, at the conclusion of the one day event held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Mr. Deeble added that he welcomed the contributions of the older members of society who came from varying backgrounds and brought a wealth of experience and knowledge. Many of those persons currently hold the reigns of leadership in society.

 

“Even though it is a Youth Policy, they can assist in ensuring that the policy protects the rights of the youth … and allows us to [develop] in a positive way,” he said

 

Vice President of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association, LeAnn Knight, also participated in the meeting and said she was impressed with the content of the draft document which was reviewed at the symposium during the morning session.

 

“I think overall it [the event] was good and I particularly enjoyed the session in the afternoon,” she said, noting the group work review of segments of the draft policy. “The input that was given at the table that I was at was very eye opening. … A lot of work has gone in to ensure that it [the policy] is all encompassing.”

 

President Deeble congratulated the organizers for hosting the final consultation.

 

“I’m really happy that the turnout was fantastic and all the youth from the various high schools came so everyone had an input, which is needed so no one can say oh we were not involved so therefore that policy is not for us,” he said. “The diversity of all the different stakeholders that came together to ensure that this policy is complete was good to see.”

 

The suggestions made at the conference will be included into the final document, which will then be presented to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Honourable Shawn Richards, to take to the Cabinet for review and approval before it is taken to Parliament.