The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) takes immense pride in announcing the exceptional participation of our student representatives at the 21st National Youth Parliament, hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) on November 25, 2024, at the House Chamber, Red House, Port of Spain. This prestigious event brought together bright minds from across Trinidad and Tobago, and our students made us proud on this distinguished platform.

The National Youth Parliament aims to nurture understanding of parliamentary processes among youth while encouraging active participation in decision-making. Participants, aged 17-25, assumed roles such as Speaker of the House, Ministers of Government, and Members of Parliament. They engaged in debates, sharing their views on critical topics with decision-makers and the public, fostering youth development and civic engagement.

This year, our University was represented by two outstanding students and a dedicated student liaison:

• Marquise Acres, pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Fine Arts in the Performing Arts at UTT Campus at NAPA, took on the role of Minister of Education and Member for D’Abadie/O’Meara on the Government Bench.
• Milyke Figaro, reading for a Diploma in Maritime Operations - Navigation at UTTChaguaramas Campus, represented the Opposition as the Member for Chaguanas West.
• Obinna Thomas, completing his Diploma in NETD - Electrical Engineering at UTTJohn S. Donaldson Port-of-Spain Campus, served as the Student Liaison, supporting the team with his exemplary leadership and organisational skills.

Our students underwent rigorous training between September and November 2024, honing their debating skills, mastering parliamentary practices, and preparing for a vibrant debate. This year's motion-"The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Classroom"- challenged participants to consider both the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into education. Our students delivered compelling arguments, showcasing their intelligence, creativity, and dedication to the topic.

Marquise and Milyke captivated the audience with their eloquence and insightful contributions. Their performance was applauded by judges and attendees, including parliamentary staff, UN representatives, and distinguished politicians. Although the competition was intense, our team was commended for their excellence in representation, professionalism, and debate.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Marquise, Milyke, and Obinna for their outstanding efforts.