In an evening marked by celebration, nostalgia, youth excellence, and jubilant joy, the official calendar for the Silver Jubilee of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) was launched on Saturday, August 15, 2026, during a Launch Cocktail at Casa Lagos.
The prestigious event was held under the auspices of Founding Father the Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and attended by Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd, GCMG, JP, who is also an Honorary Member of the association.
During the ceremony, several landmark features were unveiled, including the official Anniversary Logo, Song, DocuSeries Trailer, Launch Video, and a newly redesigned SKNYPA Website. The organization also revealed its official Silver Jubilee theme, selected following an internal competition: “From Vision to Voice: Empowered Then, Transforming Tomorrow.”
Delivering the Silver Jubilee Address, SKNYPA President Mr. Jalen Monzac, MYP, emphasized that the theme is not just a collection of phrases but a powerful narrative representing the association’s 25 years of existence. He highlighted the lasting impact SKNYPA has on its members, sharing that “youth development can shape a person long after a program, activity, or term of leadership has ended.” Monzac expressed his vision to leverage the celebrations into lasting momentum, opportunities, legacy, and a launch pad for the next generation of leaders.
Founding Father Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley also addressed the gathering, recounting his participation in the 1998 CARICOM Youth Parliament in The Bahamas, which sparked the initial vision of establishing a formal youth parliament body in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He described the anticipation surrounding the early youth parliament debates in 1999 and 2000, which served as the foundation for the association’s formation, and recognized the late Mr. Desmond E. Ward for his critical role in bringing the vision to life. Dr. Hanley proudly noted the numerous alumni who have gone on to sit in the National Assembly and make significant marks across both the public and private sectors.
Reflecting on behalf of SKNYPA’s alumni, Former President Mrs. Jihan Williams-Knight spoke on the organization’s national legacy and the role SKNYPArians have played as Members and Senior Officers of the National Assembly. Recalling her start with the association in 2000, she noted that while there was strong support, there were also many detractors.
This skepticism led Mr. Ward to constantly urge members to prepare thoroughly for all sittings and resist pushback. Williams-Knight described the immense pride and inspiration that flowed to other young people following the formal launch, expressing deep gratitude to Mr. Jose Lloyd, Honorary Member and former Clerk of the National Assembly, who provided mentorship following the passing of Mr. Ward.
The launch event officially opens a vibrant schedule of community and civic activities planned for the anniversary:
- Beach Cleanup — August 22
- Community Mural Unveiling — August 29
- Socasize with SKNYPA — August 31
- Anniversary Youth Parliament Sitting — September 8
- Regional Youth Panel Discussion — September 24
- Silver Jubilee Gala — September 26
