Youth Parliament chief unveils comprehensive development strategy

By Kisean Joseph

kisean.joseph@antiguaobserver.com

Newly elected president of the National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPAAB), Ezekiel Francois, has unveiled an ambitious restructuring agenda built upon seven pillars of organisational development.

Francois outlined a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the youth body’s local and regional presence, with particular emphasis on administrative recovery, operational discipline, committee revival and financial stability. His vision comes as the organisation moves to expand its influence across the Caribbean following years of significant political impact.

According to Francois, the Youth Parliament has already positioned itself as a formidable force on Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape.

 “In seven short years, we have already made a big impact on the political landscape of Antigua and Barbuda,” he stated during an exclusive interview. “We’ve advocated, we’ve had debates, and we’ve had two young persons in the Senate—Jonathan Wehner and Shaquan O’Neil—and previously Caleb Gardner.”

The young leader identified structural deficiencies as a primary focus area. The organisation’s executive, previously comprising just four positions, will be expanded to its full complement of 11 roles. This expansion is intended to enable the youth body to amplify its voice and undertake more meaningful action on critical issues affecting young people.

One of Francois’s flagship initiatives centers on the full integration of the Barbuda Youth Council into the National Youth Parliament. As a Barbudan himself, Francois expressed personal commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for the island’s youth.

“I really want the youth of Barbuda to have the same opportunities afforded to us here in Antigua,” he said. “I will ensure the Barbuda Youth Council is fully set up and recognised, and they’re able to have their own sittings over there at least twice a year.”

Resource constraints remain a significant challenge, with Francois pledging to pursue donor and sponsorship funding to support Barbuda-based initiatives. The president outlined plans to reach out to multiple sources to secure grants necessary for operational sustainability.

Regional integration features prominently in his agenda. The NYPAAB previously spearheaded the ECCU debate involving all eight countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in 2023. This initiative, led by then-officer Celine Edwards, contributed to the establishment of youth parliaments in Montserrat, Turks and Caicos, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Lucia.

Francois intends to revive the ECCU sitting and has sent correspondence to youth parliaments and associations throughout the Caribbean region. “What we want is unity. What we want is collaboration amongst all of us,” he stated. “We want to ensure that we have the one band, one song mentality, so once we’re coming with something, we can always come together.”

Educational partnerships and professional development programmes are also in the pipeline. Francois indicated plans to collaborate with the National Student Council and private organisations to deliver parliamentary procedure training and professional development workshops tailored to various youth demographics, including student athletes.

The organisation will launch a recruitment drive beginning at the end of June, with orientations scheduled for mid-July. Francois emphasised that membership is non-partisan and open to any young person seeking personal development and leadership opportunities, regardless of political affiliation.

“We are non-partisan, we welcome everybody,” Francois said. “If you think that becoming a better person is important, and you want to make sound decisions that benefit Antigua and Barbuda, then the door is open.”