Youth Parliament to sit on June 21 for debate on healthy diet and lifestyles to help young people avoid lifestyle diseases later
In its first sitting of 2024, the National Youth Parliament will be debating the
importance of a healthy diet to young people.
This debate, slated for Friday, June 21, will focus on the importance of a
healthy lifestyle and diet as a key component in the prevention of non-
communicable diseases in their later years.
A healthy lifestyle also plays a role in ensuring young people’s overall bodily
development, the Youth Parliament says.
During this sitting, the aspiring politicians will be proposing and debating an
amendment to the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) Act, calling for the
introduction of a higher rate of tax on unhealthy foods.
The aim of such a call is to deter young people from the consumption of such
options. However, it is hoped that any increased revenue from the higher tax
rate would be used for additional subsidies on healthier food options.
The National Youth Parliament is continuing its call for the relevant
authorities and parents to take tougher steps to ensure there is improvement
in young people’s nutrition and dietary practices.
Jessica Zouetr, president of the Youth Parliament, will preside over the session
in the capacity of House speaker, while the debate will be led by Shaquan
O’Neil, Youth MP for St. George, in his role as prime minister.
Other debaters include Chrystal Percival, Chrysean Jarvis, Reginae Morris,
Dequante Mellanson, Janay Pollard, Kaiesha Joseph and Esther McKenzie.
Nathalie Murray, Amelia Williams, Renier Santos Mercado, Uchenna
Ohaegbulam, Azariah Bloodman, Keanu Abbott, and George Zouetr will also be
part of the sitting, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Parliament.
The National Youth Parliament Association is a youth-led, youth-focused
organization with a mission to provide a platform for young people to voice
their concerns and advocate on national issues. Its motto is “Empowering
Youth, Transforming Communities, Advocating Change.”
