Then First District Reprsentative Hon Andrew A. Fahie and House Speaker Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe pose with the Youth Parliamentarians in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly 2015. Photo: VINO/File

House Speaker, Honourable Julian Willock will serve as Chairman of a Special Select Committee named to manage the Youth Parliament. Photo: VINO/File

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said he believes the Youth Parliament will contribute to a strong and secure Territory in years to come. Photo: VINO/File

This is according to a release from the Government Information Service (GIS) which noted that a resolution was passed during the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly for the appointment of a Special Select Committee to manage the youth parliament.

Committee named 

According to the Information, the members are House Speaker, Honourable Julian Willock serving as Chairman, Honourable Neville A. Smith (AL); Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5); Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL); Honourable Julian Fraser (R3); Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2); Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL).

According to House Speaker, Hon Willock, “The Virgin Islands Youth Parliament will allow young people to participate in local, regional and international debates on issues facing our societies, and our Youth Parliamentarians will also focus on youth governance in the Territory and bring youth awareness education and training.” 

He said the make-up of the Youth Parliament will be brought in line with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Associations guidance on Youth Parliaments across the region.

VIYP will contribute to strong & secure territory 

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said he believes the Youth Parliament will contribute to a strong and secure Territory in years to come.

“Youth Parliament like others in the region and the Commonwealth will enable young people across the Territory to diversify their skills, be grounded in civic consciousness, national identity and play their roles as the next generation of leaders and visionaries,” he said. 

Two workshops have been scheduled for potential members on March 10 and 23, 2020 where discussions will be on, The History of the Legislative Chamber/Council of the BVI; The Role of the Legislative Branch; The Role of the Speaker; The House of Assembly; Standing Orders and The Constitution.

Hon de Castro will also make a presentation on the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament at the London House in the United Kingdom On Tuesday, March 24, 2020.