Antigua and Barbuda’s National Youth Parliament Association (NYPAB) will tackle the growing issue of drug misuse among minors during its sitting on 3 July.

The debate will focus on strengthening laws to curb the use of cannabis, tobacco, and other substances by young people. Youth Prime Minister and MP for St John’s City South, Chrysean Jarvis, said the proposed bill seeks to improve enforcement, which remains weak despite existing laws.

“We want to see stricter enforcement and a holistic reduction in drug use among minors,” Jarvis said. “This includes not just cannabis, but tobacco and other substances.”

The legislative proposal also recommends penalties for adults who supply drugs to minors and calls for better-funded rehabilitation programmes aimed at youth.

NYPAB President Jessica Zouetr explained the topic was chosen through a vote among youth MPs, who recognised the urgency of addressing rising drug use.

The sitting will also examine how media and digital platforms influence youth behaviour. Jarvis noted that part of the proposal includes creating a Ministry of Health, Digital Literacy, and Media Awareness to educate both young people and parents.

“We must look at what children consume online — from music videos to social media — and how that impacts their choices,” he added.

The session begins at 9:30 a.m. at Parliament.