The UNICEF supported National Children’s Summit was held in St. Kitts on the 23rd and 24th July, 2019 under the theme “CRC 30 YEARS – CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD”. At this summit Anguilla was represented by Tahjique Connor – Understudy President of the Anguilla National Youth Council, Melissa Harrigan – member of the National Youth Ambassador Corps, Levonda Delaney and Klein Harrigan – Anguilla Youth Parliamentarians and Chaperone, Mrs. Jocelyne Mills – Programme Officer – Youth Development.
Being the first Eastern Caribbean state in the region to sign on to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, it was only fitting that the 30 years’ celebration was held on St. Kitts soil, in tribute to their government’s bold step in being the first to agree to protect children and their rights, on 24th July 1989. The summit commenced with a ‘Fair’ followed by the Opening Ceremony of the Children’s Summit’ on Tuesday 23rd July and ended with the Children’s Summit on the 24th July, 2019, on St. Kitts 30 years’ anniversary. In addition to the St. Kitts and Nevis youth delegation, the summit was also attended by other delegates from the following countries:
Anguilla, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda
During the summit a presentation was delivered by the Anguilla delegates on issues that are affecting young people on Anguilla. Among others, the three main issues discussed by the Anguillian delegation were; mental health, unemployment and drug abuse. The presentation for Anguilla was presented by Mr. Tahjique Connor. Mr. Connor addressed the significance of the three main issues, specifically mental health as the most neglected and ill-treated diseases in Anguilla, where many of the young people in school admitted their concerns regarding it. The need for the Anguilla Government to not only pay close attention but to act in regards to minimizing this issue is highly recommended by the youth.
For more information contact Mrs. Jocelyne Mills, Programme Officer – Youth Development at Jocelyne.mills@gov.ai or (264) 498-3792.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper)
