Government plans to revive the Youth Parliament programme originally established in 2015 to provide participants between the ages of 15 and 29 the opportunity to practise governance, Premier Andrew Fahie announced Monday in the House of Assembly.
This iteration of the programme, he said, will include some changes.
For instance, instead of the minister of education selecting the participants, each of the 13 elected members of the House will make a nomination.
Additionally, the body will be run by a committee of HOA members, including Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley (R-D7), who is the minister of education, culture, youth affairs, fisheries and agriculture; Transportation, Works and Utilities Minister Kye Rymer (R-D5); Junior Minister of Economic Development Sharie de Castro (R-at large); opposition member Alvera Maduro-Caines (R-D6); and opposition member Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull (R-D2), with Speaker of the House Julian Willock chairing.
The committee can invite other leaders from youth, religious and non-profit organisations to assist when required, added Mr. Fahie (R-D1).
“This administration believes that the Youth Parliament contributes to a strong and secure territory by sustaining a core of human resources who are politically accountable and responsible citizens grounded in a love for country, democracy, respect for rights and diversity, and the knowledge of the political and governmental system that one day they will become the operators of,” he said.
He added that he also would have the HOA commit “seed money” to fund meetings, travel from the sister islands, and overseas travel.
He hopes to have the body up and running by September, and advised anyone interested to contact their district representatives or an at-large HOA member.