The University of The Bahamas in partnership with Verizon Media is proud to announce the participants in the first round of its historical national debate series, slated for May 11.

The upcoming youth debate will include Justin Smith, Progressive Liberal Party; Boykin Smith Democratic National Alliance; Cara Ellis, Evolution Coalition; Alexander Kemp, Kingdom Government Movement; Shaquille Johnson, Bahamas Constitution Party; and Willinique Wilson, Bahamas Democratic Movement.

The debate series provides all political parties, irrespective of size or stature, an opportunity to debate policy and their campaign platform on a national stage in an open, fair, academic and methodical process. In the coming days, the committee will announce more details on live realtime polling and focus groups that will be utilized throughout the debate series.

This is the first of four debates planned by the National Election Debate Series Planning Committee. The invitation for the full participation of parties contesting the upcoming general elections remains open. We look forward to playing our part in deepening democracy and the national discussion in The Bahamas.

To be a part of history, take a selfie or video explaining why you feel national debates are important, include the caption #242debates to be featured in our promotional campaign.

Watch the first debate streaming live May 11 on ILTV ch224 and Eyewitness News' Facebook page.