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Gov't launches VI Youth Parliament

- set to be a springboard for youth leadership development
With pomp and ceremony, the Government today October 2, 2015 launched the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament with a view to ensuring inclusion of the next generation of law makers and to canvas their fresh and innovative ideas to address some of the problems that presently face the territory. Photo: VINO
A section of the audience. Photo: VINO
A section of the audience. Photo: VINO
The 'House of Assembly' about to be convened today at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Photo: VINO
The 'House of Assembly' about to be convened today at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Photo: VINO
Scores of schoolchildren made up the audience during the ceremony and subsequent sitting of the 'HOA'. Photo: VINO
Scores of schoolchildren made up the audience during the ceremony and subsequent sitting of the 'HOA'. Photo: VINO
Chairman of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament and Mock Premier of the territory Sonniel Pickering. Photo: VINO
Chairman of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament and Mock Premier of the territory Sonniel Pickering. Photo: VINO
Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs Brenda Lettsome-Tye. Photo: VINO
Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs Brenda Lettsome-Tye. Photo: VINO
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI – With pomp and ceremony, the Government today October 2, 2015 launched the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament with a view to ensuring inclusion of the next generation of law makers and to canvas their fresh and innovative ideas to address some of the problems that presently face the territory.

The launching took place at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay, Tortola.

The aim of the National Youth Parliament is to give young people between the ages of 15 to 29 a voice to bring about the changes that they would like to see on key issues in their communities and in which they have an interest. It also aims to develop leadership skills and competencies among youth that will benefit them and their communities.

Standing firm on three pillars

In making opening remarks, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament and Mock Premier of the territory Sonniel Pickering said the youth parliamentarians are aware of the vital role of youth who are the core resource of any country.

“We stand firm on the three pillars: advocacy, cohesion and awareness and therefore have developed strategies that foster solidarity and individuality aimed towards youth empowerment and growth,” he said.

Pickering said in pursuit of these ideals the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament anticipates future discourse among country, youth and Government to ensure that the future of the territory, its youth, are reassured that their voice matters.

He is of the view there is an emerging trend at this point in the Virgin Islands. “This is a time of increased networks to promote youth participation and commitment, more targeted services for youth, more parental involvement, more education and information, more protection for our youth and more partnership amongst the generations.”

The youth forum will be a dedicated project managed on an annual basis by the National Youth Council. “It will provide a specific avenue for a younger cohort of the territory’s youth to access more structured and formative development opportunities,” said a booklet on the launch of the initiative.

Opportunities, challenges for youth unprecedented

Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs Brenda Lettsome-Tye, speaking at the opening ceremony, said the opportunities for youth to communicate, act and influence are unprecedented, hence the necessity of a Youth Parliament.

“The challenges we face are also unprecedented because we are making sure that our youth in the Virgin Islands are well prepared to take on the mantle of the leadership of the territory,” she said.

9 Responses to “Gov't launches VI Youth Parliament”

  • DON Q (02/10/2015, 15:46) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    All political to fool the youths to keep voting ndp
    • member (02/10/2015, 16:32) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      This is nothing political. Stop being negative and accept something that keeps our youth of the street.
    • Hmmmm (02/10/2015, 16:37) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      Why does everything that is remotely related to the government have to be political. Do you understand the difference between politics and government?? why you so stupid!?!!?!
    • TO DON Q (02/10/2015, 17:01) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      If you had taken the time to attend , you would have learnt much from the youths who participate. They were knowledgeable, displayed their oratorical skills, showed good deportment and were happy to be involved.

      it is time to stop being so negative and become part of the movement . The Virgin islands belong to all of us. Stop fooling yourself.
  • Monis (02/10/2015, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    After a mockery was made of the constitutional electoral process, now the youths are being pushed into parliamentary roles? Give me a break.

    "The Virgin Islands belong to all of us." But only when it suits you and your ilk.
    • truthster (02/10/2015, 22:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Minus you are a square peg in a round hole. You try to disguise yourself but I know who you are. You are discovered! Be gone with thou!!! And thine "ilk"Incompatibility Personified.!!!!
  • Observing (03/10/2015, 03:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was the Virgin Islands Youh Parliament, not the House of Assembly. It is so sad that credit was not given where it was due. Hope the youths can think and expound for themselves
  • Voter Too (03/10/2015, 07:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Youths please know and learn the constitution it is very important as it should be taught in schools. When one knows one rights one can overcome many obstacles. Anyway one day you all will be the future leaders of the BVI so keep learn and keep your heads on and up.
  • Misinformation (03/10/2015, 08:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The plight of the Virgin Islands: people want to shout from the mountaintops and more accurately desktops and laptops and phones without a clue as to what they are talking about. I could say again how tired I am of it or get exasperated but instead I will focus on making the VIYP great over the next year. All ye naysayers can keep on naysaying. When you don't KNOW anything, and when you are unwilling to LEARN anything you can't contribute much more than negativity. So keep on keeping on...I will do the same.


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