Members of the National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPAAB) represented the country in Anguilla during the island’s 12th National Youth Week, held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3.
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation participated in several activities, including the Annual National Conference on Youth and Development, Caribbean Youth Day, the Anguilla Youth Parliament swearing-in ceremony and the Anguilla National Youth Awards Ceremony.
During the visit, members met Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge; Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Information Technology and E-Government Services Minister José Vanterpool; Governor Julia Crouch, OBE; and Director of Youth and Culture Avon Carty.
The delegation also interacted with Anguilla Youth Council President Amani Richardson and members of the debate club at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
As part of Caribbean Youth Day activities, the Antigua and Barbuda representatives delivered a presentation on their country and NYPAAB to students at the school’s Campus B before touring Quarter Campus.
NYPAAB President Ezekiel Francois also presented a diplomatic gift to Janelle Anthony, senior programme officer for youth development within Anguilla’s Department of Youth and Culture.
The delegation, which included External Affairs Officer Esther McKenzie, probationary member Angel Joseph and senior member Esquire Henry, also held discussions with Anthony on the operations of NYPAAB and the Eastern Caribbean Youth Parliament Network.
According to NYPAAB, the talks are expected to lead to closer cooperation, with Anguillian youth parliamentarians scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda this month and discussions continuing on their participation in the regional network.
The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen ties among young leaders across the Caribbean and expand cooperation between youth parliament organisations in the region.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Youth Delegation Builds Regional Ties During Anguilla Youth Week.