SIX NEW YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES SWORN INTO NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT

The National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed six new members Thursday morning, as they took their oaths of office at the start of the sitting.

Among the new representatives sworn in are Jawan Jackson from St. Philip’s North, who will serve as Minister of Education, Sports & Youth Development, and Je’niah Derby, representing St. John’s Rural West, both joining the government benches, while the opposition welcomed two new voices – Skielar Cornelius from St. John’s Rural North and Haneel Parker from St. Philip’s South.

The sitting also saw two independent members take their oaths: Cyniya Ireland representing St. John’s City East and Khadalia Joseph from Barbuda, ensuring the sister island has representation in the youth legislative body following the recent formation of the Barbuda Youth Council. The swearing-in took place ahead of a debate by the youth parliament on critical issues affecting young people, including a comprehensive resolution on substance abuse among teenagers.

The 14-member National Youth Parliament represents constituencies across both islands.