SKNYPA and UNESCO Host Youth Dialogue Featuring Dr. Julius Garvey

The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), in collaboration with the SKN Routes of Enslaved People’s Project Committee, orchestrated a compelling youth dialogue featuring Dr. Julius Garvey, the son of the esteemed Pan-Africanist leader, Marcus Garvey. This event served as a platform for intergenerational exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of historical legacy and its implications for contemporary leadership and nation-building. The dialogue attracted a diverse assembly of young leaders, including members of the St. Kitts Leo Club, budding entrepreneurs, CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, student association representatives, and youth parliamentarians, demonstrating a collective interest in engaging with Dr. Garvey’s insights and perspectives.

The overarching theme of the dialogue revolved around empowering youth to embrace their roles as active agents of change. Hasani Mc Donald, President of SKNYPA, underscored the significance of platforms like this dialogue, emphasizing the vital role young people play in shaping the present and future. Echoing the spirit of Marcus Garvey’s teachings, Mc Donald stressed the importance of youth voices, ideas, and unwavering commitment to truth, justice, unity, and self-determination. This emphasis on youth agency set the tone for a dynamic exchange between Dr. Garvey and the attendees.

H.E. Nerys Dockery, Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted UNESCO’s commitment to integrating national history into the education system. This initiative aims to cultivate a robust sense of identity and historical awareness among young people, equipping them with a deeper understanding of their heritage and its connection to present-day realities. By grounding education in national history, UNESCO seeks to empower youth to draw inspiration from the past and contribute meaningfully to their nation’s future.

The core of the event was a vibrant Q&A session with Dr. Julius Garvey, who shared invaluable wisdom gleaned from his personal experiences, family legacy, and extensive global work. Dr. Garvey’s candid responses encouraged the young attendees to cultivate critical thinking skills, embrace their creativity, and assume responsibility for shaping their own destinies and the future of their communities. He challenged them to go beyond inheriting the future; rather, to actively create it. This call to action resonated with the audience, inspiring them to recognize their potential as drivers of positive change.

Dr. Garvey’s message extended beyond individual empowerment to encompass collective responsibility and regional development. He reminded the audience that while land is a divine gift, the responsibility of building thriving cities rests with human ingenuity and effort. This powerful analogy underscored the need for proactive engagement in development and urged the young leaders to leverage their creativity not only for personal advancement but also for the betterment of their region. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual growth and regional progress, Dr. Garvey encouraged a collaborative approach to nation-building.

The youth dialogue proved to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees. The event fostered deep reflection on the themes of legacy, self-determination, and proactive leadership. It served as a catalyst for renewed energy and commitment among the young participants, inspiring them to embrace their roles as agents of change. Dr. Garvey’s insights and the collaborative nature of the dialogue left a lasting impression, empowering the attendees to actively contribute to the building of a brighter future for St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean region. The event underscored the power of intergenerational dialogue and the importance of investing in the leadership potential of young people. By providing a platform for meaningful engagement with influential figures like Dr. Garvey, SKNYPA and its partners are actively contributing to the cultivation of a new generation of empowered and engaged citizens.