Youth Parliament Sitting Highlights Strong Call for Reparatory Justice in St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, St. Kitts — The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), in collaboration with The Repair Campaign, hosted a special Youth Parliament Sitting on Reparatory Justice on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the National Assembly Chambers.

The sitting brought to the forefront the voices, perspectives, and critical thinking of young people as they engaged in debate on one of the Caribbean’s most significant justice movements.

The session featured the Resolution titled “Advocating for Reparatory Justice: A Youth Call for Decisive Action,” which was moved by Hon. Jalen Monzac, MYP, President of SKNYPA, who served as Youth Prime Minister and Minister of National Security. The resolution called for several key measures, including the expansion of reparations education, increased youth involvement in advocacy, the establishment of a National Reparations Recovery Fund, and support for the implementation of CARICOM’s Ten-Point Plan on Reparations.

The resolution was drafted by Mauriel Knight, Past President of SKNYPA and Special Advisor to the Parliament Committee, who also served as Speaker for the sitting. In preparation for the debate, SKNYPA engaged in consultations with regional and local experts, including attorney Talibah Byron; Carla T. Astaphan, Chairperson of the St. Kitts-Nevis National Reparations Committee; and Professor Don Marshall, Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. These engagements ensured that participants were well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the discussions.

The debate featured dynamic and insightful contributions from youth parliamentarians on both Government and Opposition benches. Participants examined the lasting impacts of historical enslavement and explored its connections to contemporary issues such as climate justice, education, economic inequality, governance, and youth empowerment.

Also playing a key role in the proceedings was Cadet Sergeant Huggins E., representing the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Cadet Corps, who served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the sitting.

The event attracted a strong audience to the gallery, including students, representatives of The Repair Campaign, and supporters of the youth parliamentarians. Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, was also in attendance.

Reparatory Justice Advocate and Consultant Community Organiser for The Repair Campaign, Ms. Elsie Harry, commended the participants for their depth of engagement.

“What stood out most was the seriousness with which the youth parliamentarians approached the issue,” Harry stated. “Their contributions reflected strong research, preparation, and a sophisticated understanding of the interconnected nature of reparatory justice.”

Ms. Harry, a former SKNYPA member, described the resolution as “thoughtful and forward-looking,” noting that it demonstrated a high level of intellectual maturity and civic awareness.

Carla T. Astaphan also praised the quality of the sitting, highlighting both the substance and presentation of the debate.

“I was thoroughly impressed by the high standard of presentations delivered,” she said. “The combination of well-researched arguments, cultural expression, and engaging delivery made for a compelling and memorable experience.”

The sitting forms part of SKNYPA’s ongoing mission to promote civic engagement, policy awareness, and youth leadership development across the Federation. It also represents a continued collaboration with The Repair Campaign to deepen youth participation in regional conversations on reparatory justice.