New National Youth Parliament Association elects first representatives 

By S.Browne. Updated 3:18 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The newly established Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Youth Parliament Association (SVGNYPA), which aims to provide young people with a platform to debate national issues, develop leadership skills and promote civic engagement, has elected its first National Youth Parliamentarians.

The representatives were elected during the Association’s inaugural Annual General Meeting, held at the Peace Memorial Hall on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

President of the SVGNYPA, Omarion Dennie, welcomed participants and thanked them for the strong interest shown in the Association. He also reflected on the inspiration behind its establishment.

“The National Youth Parliament Associations of both Saint Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda served as models in shaping the initiative,” Dennie said.

A key feature of the meeting was a Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) debate, during which participants presented their perspectives before being elected to serve as National Youth Parliamentarians for their respective constituencies.

The elected representatives are Kyron Quashie (South Leeward), Anicia DeRoche (Southern Grenadines), Edison Jacobs (South Central Windward), Junius Charles (South Windward), Kai Francis (Central Kingstown), Bashar Abu-Eid (East Kingstown), Cornelia Peters (Northern Grenadines), Oscar Browne (East St George), Orr Miller (West St George), Jaiden Hazell (West Kingstown), Christi Williams (North Windward), Jada Chambers (Central Leeward) and Aroma David (Marriaqua).

The Association said a by-election to elect Youth Parliamentarians for North Central Windward and North Leeward will be held at a later date.

During the meeting, the Standing Committees of the Association were also announced.

Finance Executive Leah Simon and Project Executive Rackeim De Freitas presented the Association’s goals and priorities for the 2026–2027 term, outlining its strategic focus for the year ahead.

As it begins its inaugural year, the SVGNYPA said it remains committed to empowering young people through meaningful civic engagement, leadership development and informed dialogue on national issues.

Through its programmes and initiatives, the Association aims to “cultivate a new generation of young leaders who are equipped to contribute to the country’s democratic processes and sustainable national development.”

According to the Association, the SVGNYPA was established to provide young people with an advocacy platform to debate youth and national issues, strengthen skills in debating, public speaking, legislative and policy writing, advance meaningful youth inclusion, and promote good governance and the principles of democracy.

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