We recently had the pleasure of hosting, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, our Youth Health Policy Dialogue, an event that brought young people and policymakers together to discuss the health issues affecting young people in St. Kitts and Nevis, and how these challenges can be addressed.
This dialogue was initiated by our Youth Health Advocates, led by Michele Baker, reflecting our desire for youth-led advocacy.
The event opened with a screening of Dying Young: Lifestyle Choices and the NCDs Crisis, a documentary developed by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. The film set a strong foundation for honest discussion, highlighting how lifestyle choices and broader environments are contributing to the region’s growing NCD crisis, and why urgent, collective action is needed.
This was followed by two engaging panels: a Youth Leaders Panel and a Policymaker Panel, both designed to encourage open dialogue, mutual learning and practical solutions.
Youth Leaders Panel: Perspectives from the Frontline
Our Youth Leaders Panel featured:
- Genesia Pemberton, Nutrition Officer, Nevis Health Promotion Unit
- Remi-El Thompson, Turn Around Agenda
- Kadeem Percival, Turn Around Agenda
The panel was expertly moderated by Lori-Ann Peart-Phillip, Youth Leader at Antioch Baptist Church, who guided a thoughtful discussion on the health issues young people care most about, the work youth-led organisations are doing, and how policymakers can better partner with young people to develop solutions.
During the dialogue, young people in the audience spoke up about the realities they face. Key concerns raised included:
- Mental health challenges, and the need for better support, understanding and safe spaces
- The easy accessibility of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, with some young people noting exposure beginning at very young ages
- A desire for more guidance on resisting peer pressure and engaging in healthier behaviours
- Concerns that some educators may be overstretched or under-supported, which can sometimes affect how well students’ health and wellbeing needs are recognised or prioritised
- The importance of empowering parents with information and tools to support healthy choices at home
- A strong call for policymakers to genuinely listen to young people, rather than engaging them as a formality
- The need for more information, awareness and opportunities for young people to learn about health issues that affect their lives
These reflections highlighted not only the challenges young people face, but also their deep insight into the systems and environments shaping their health.
When asked about solutions, young people were clear and practical. They emphasised the need for more spaces like this dialogue, where young people and decision-makers can engage directly, honestly and meaningfully, not as a tick-box exercise, but as a genuine exchange.
One young person also shared that incentives could play a role in encouraging healthier behaviours. While there wasn’t a single agreed approach, suggestions included recognition or awards programmes that celebrate positive behaviour change. and yes, even financial incentives got a mention, to plenty of smiles in the room.
Policymaker Panel: Listening and Responding
The Policymaker Panel, moderated by Jay Robinson, Project Assistant at Lake Health and Wellbeing and Founder of Yoganics Wellness, featured:
- Latoya Matthew-Duncan, Nutrition Surveillance Coordinator and NCD Focal Point, Ministry of Health
- Clilia Davis, Head of Food Safety and Research & Development, St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards; Founder and Managing Director, iSTEAM The Academy of Arts and Science
- Lindbergh Belle, Manager, St. Kitts Central School Farm, Ministry of Education
- Brontie Tucker, CARDI Representative/Agronomist, Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute
Panellists reflected on the issues raised by young people, shared insights from their respective sectors, and discussed opportunities for policy, programmes and cross-sector collaboration to better support youth health and wellbeing.
Thank You and Looking Ahead
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the young people who attended and shared their perspectives so openly. Your honesty, insight and willingness to speak up made this dialogue meaningful and impactful.
Thank you also to the organisations and parents who supported young people’s participation, including Pathfinders, SKN Alliance for Equality, iSTEAM The Academy of Arts and Science, the St. Kitts Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities, and Taiwan ICDF.
A special thank you to Crannie Cranston, Executive Member of the St. Kitts Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities and our Youth Health Advocate, for delivering closing remarks and reminding us that any policies, strategies or programmes aimed at improving youth health must be inclusive of all young people.
A big thank you to Michele Baker and our Youth Health Advocates for initiating this event. This dialogue reaffirmed what we already know: young people are not just the future, they are informed, passionate partners in shaping healthier societies today.
Finally, a big thank you to the Global Health Advocacy Incubator for their support.
We look forward to continuing this conversation and, most importantly, turning words into action.
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