The public is invited to the eight annual University of the Virgin Islands Model United Nations Conference, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., on April 21, in the Administration and Conference Center on the St. Thomas Campus. UVI students from both campuses will debate, deliberate and provide solutions to issues dealing with financial disparity and poverty, human rights, indigenous land rights, and education concerns. Participants will simulate the committees and programs of the United Nations, with two delegations each representing a different country.
“Through this conference, UVI students gain a better sense of international concerns, policies, and affairs,” said Dr. Kula Francis, UVI chair of the Social Sciences Division. “Students will also improve on their communication skills as they learn approaches of debate, deliberation and development of solutions to the world’s problems.”
Students from the St. Croix delegation will represent Argentina, while the St. Thomas delegation represents Brazil. Student Representatives of Argentina are Alexis Camarena, Shamali Dennery, Shemika Durand, and Kimie Tonge. Representing Brazil are Maliek Cepeda, Tayla-Marie Manners, Shaher Saker, and Kalene St. Jean-Pierre.
Dr. Kula Francis, Dorothy McIntosh, past president of Rotary West, and Rupert Ross, past district governor of District 7020, are the program coordinators. For more information, contact Dr. Francis at (340) 692-4065 or kfranci@uvi.edu.
The UVI Model United Nations Conference is sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Croix West and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.