Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 1, 2025 — The inaugural Youth Voices Panel, hosted by The St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd. (SKNANB) and its subsidiaries (National Caribbean Insurance (NCI) and National Bank Trust), in collaboration with the Ministries of Education in St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered an inspiring evening of discussion among our youths on Tuesday, 29th April 2025 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Grand Ballroom.

Held under the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation – Challenges and Opportunities”, the event showcased six outstanding primary school students, each representing one of the six educational zones across the Federation. They engaged in prepared presentations and dynamic defence discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of education.
 
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis, who graciously participated in the presentation of the evening’s special awards. Also present were senior officials from the Ministry of Education, members of the Nevis Island Administration, and the executive leadership of SKNANB and NCI.
 
Delivering the opening remarks, Managing Director of SKNANB, Mr. Terrence Crossman, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to youth development and civic engagement, stating, “The future belongs to those who are prepared to think critically, act ethically, and lead with innovation.” Hon. Troy Liburd, Junior Minister of Education, Library Services, and Information Technology, underscored the importance of the initiative and commended SKNANB for initiating this timely event: “A forum such as this offers our students a valuable opportunity to strengthen their ability to communicate and find confidence in their voice. I commend the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank —the people’s bank — for spearheading this initiative.”
 
The panel was adjudicated across two main components: Prepared Statement and Defence Discussion, culminating in several individual awards recognising excellence.
 
Round Winners:
  • Best Prepared Statement – Group 1: Latchmie Harrydat, Halliday Smith Primary School
  • Best Defence Discussion – Group 1: Kizarah Evans, Tyrrell-Williams Primary School
  • Best Prepared Statement – Group 2: Dezarion Harris, Sandy Point Primary School
  • Best Defence Discussion – Group 2: Sherrecia Latouche, Ivor Walters Primary School
Group 3, comprising Lorencia Berry of Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School and Advaith Swaminathan of Violet O. Jeffers-Nicholls Primary School, saw Advaith Swaminathan securing both Best Prepared Statement and Best Defence Discussion in their group.
 
Swaminathan also swept the Special Awards category, winning:
  • Best Speaker
  • Best Rebuttal Questions
  • 1st Place – Best Panellist
Sherrecia Latouche of Ivor Walters Primary School was awarded 2nd Place – Best Panellist.
 
The event concluded with a post-panel feedback session, where audience members—including educators, parents, and mentors—were invited to share reflections and commend the participants on their performances.
 
Special thanks were extended to the St. Kitts National Youth Parliamentarians and the Sugar City Toastmasters, who mentored and prepared the students in the lead-up to the panel, as well as to the educators, principals, parents, and supporters whose encouragement ensured a successful event.
 
The event was masterfully moderated by Ms. Dianna Williams-Humphrey General Manager of NCI, whose professionalism and warmth ensured a seamless flow from start to finish.
 
The Youth Voices Panel has set a standard for student engagement and discourse, affirming that the voices of our youth are not only relevant but vital to shaping the future of education in a rapidly evolving technological world.

 

About St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited

Founded in 1971, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank is the leading indigenous financial institution in the Eastern Caribbean, providing a full suite of banking, insurance, and investment solutions. With a commitment to innovation and customer excellence, the Bank continues to be a pillar of financial strength in the region.