Eighteen Virgin Islands students enrolled in United Kingdom schools debated the territory’s planned national health insurance programme last month in London.
The activity was the culmination of the BVI London Office’s eighth annual professional development seminar at BVI House.
Using their newly honed leadership skills, the students researched the topic in advance and engaged in a “Westminster type parliamentary debate” on NHI, according to Government Information Services.
“Debating heavily on the BVI NHI Scheme and being tested on our leadership abilities were the highlights of the seminar and, as always, I felt empowered at the end,” said Washeema Guishard, a student at Manchester University. “The seminar helped to build on challenges and weaknesses of individuals and turn them into strengths.”
London Office Director Kedrick Malone said the benefits of this type of workshop are various.
“Our students currently studying abroad will be returning to a BVI that is in transition on many levels,” he said. “Furthermore, we are facing a host of challenges internally and externally as we navigate our way in the new global reality.”
This year’s lead facilitator was Dawn Butler, a former member of the UK Parliament and minister for young citizens and youth engagement in the Cabinet Office. Other facilitators included communications specialist Kymberlie Andrew of the BBC and professional development trainer Joanne Deane, according to GIS.
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