April 14, 2008 — UVI students from across the territory will participate in the school's first Model United Nations conference, scheduled for April 21 at the administration and conference center on St. Thomas.
The conference — part of the Global Classrooms Program under the United Nations Association of the United States of America — will give students an opportunity to "gain a better sense of international concerns, policies and affairs," as well a chance to improve their communication and debate skills as they deliberate on "solutions to world problems," according to a UVI press release.
St. Croix students participating in the conference are Christopher Cockrell, Ashley Libitz, Lester Rasul, Junia Shillingford and Miguelina Valdez. They will be representing the African Nation of Eritrea, while the delegation of students from St. Thomas — Daniella Arrindell, Joylette Hunte-Gore, Magdalene Morancie, Dwayne Petersen and Julian Warner — will be representing the Ivory Coast.
Discussion will center on topics such as border disputes, female genital mutilation, child labor laws and sexually transmitted diseases, among other things.
The conference also boasts an essay contest that is open to all students. The essay topic is: "On March 25, the United Nations celebrated the International Day of Remembrance of the victims of slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. In your opinion, what are some of the important reasons for observing this day?"
All essays must be one-to-two pages — double-spaced — and be submitted by Thursday. The winner will receive a scholarship to help cover the cost of textbooks and other school supplies.
The UVI conference is sponsored by the school's Humanities and Social Sciences Divison, along with Rotary Club Harborview and Rotary Club West.
For more information about the conference or essay contest, call student advisor Dr. Kula Frances at 692-4065 or email kfranci@uvi.edu.
