ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16TH, 2011 _ The sitting of the National Youth Parliament Programme of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports will be held on November 23rd, 2011 as a part of this year’s Youth Month Celebrations. The resolution to be debated is: “Be it resolved that tourism is a critical industry for the economic development of Grenada in the short to medium term” Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports, Hon. Patrick Simmons, on opening the 2011 Youth Month, emphasized that the National Youth Parliament Programme is “another very vital component” of the work of the Ministry. He stated, “Youth Parliament provides a chance for young people to experience and participate in the parliamentary process and create avenues whereby young people can air their views, raise concerns and ultimately influence the national decision making process.” The Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports has undertaken the Youth Parliament Programme for a number of years. It attentively mocks the procedure of the National Parliament. The Ministry has already hosted 8 youth parliaments in 2011 throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique including this year’s Regional Youth Parliament which showcased the debating skills of youth parliamentarians from nine Caribbean islands. “The [Regional Youth Parliament] debate, held on the 29th June, was of the highest quality, a fact that was noted by the three regional judges, as they announced Grenadian Youth Parliamentarians first, second and third for the best debater award,” said Minister Simmons. The National Sitting will be held at the Deluxe Cinema, Grenville from 1:00 p.m.