As young parliamentarians from the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and Montserrat get ready to debate issues of immigration and regional integration, they were encouraged by government officials.
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) welcomed the youth parliamentarians first, and its Chairman John Jarvis and Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes spoke about the importance of youth voices in shaping policy.
Supervisor Hughes mentioned how the Youth Parliament reminded him of the Junior Elections Professionals Initiative under the Commonwealth, where youth share their ideas and experiences of the electoral process.
He also pointed out the significance of women’s empowerment and involvement in politics, urging them not to be discouraged by negative comments.
Chairman Jarvis commended the youth parliamentarians for their work in organizing a Joint Youth Debate and answering their queries about boundary changes, electoral reform, and youth involvement in voting.
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin also met with the young parliamentarians, emphasizing the importance of youth taking charge and bringing about change in their islands.
He discussed the asylum process and the need for legislative change, citing the situation of Cameroonian migrants as an example.
The youth parliamentarians will debate on further integration of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean and more efforts to ensure the integrity of the region’s immigration systems.
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