Young VIslander Charity Rymer speaks in UK House of Commons
It is the first time since 2019 that the UK Youth Parliament is meeting in the Commons chamber due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Speaker chaired the morning session which included the opportunity for young people from British Overseas Territories to speak about the topic “the most important issue affecting young people from my territory today.”
According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) on November 4, 2022, young Virgin Islanders living in the UK were invited to submit applications to the BVI London Office to be considered for this unique opportunity.
Historic speech
It stated that on the directive of the Chairman of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP) Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), candidates were interviewed by a panel consisting of the Members of the VIYP and its Secretariat.
Miss Rymer made history as she became the first Virgin Islander ever to speak in the UK House of Commons.
Climate change
In choosing Climate Change and its long-term effects on the territory’s youth as her platform, Miss Rymer said, “the future and sustainability of our islands rests with us, to mitigate against the effects of climate change. The youth will have a heavy, costly burden to bear. Our inheritance is an ever-increasing bill to rebuild our territory with each natural disaster that pays us an unwelcome visit. Climate change – sweeps across all areas of the lives of Virgin Islands Youth: our education, our food security, our paths to employment and entrepreneurship, our mental and physical health.”
Speaker Hoyle said it was "about time we heard from our friends in the extended part of our United Kingdom family - and the UK Youth Parliament event offers them the perfect platform.” "For too long I have felt the British Overseas Territories have been overlooked, yet so many of the decisions we make here in the UK have a huge impact on their futures," he said. "I am really looking forward to hearing from the young people who live in the overseas territories - about the issues that affect them and their experiences. I am sure we will learn so much from their contributions."
This year the BVI London Office is commemorating 20 years of 'BVI Diplomacy and International Relations' abroad with the opening of the London Office in 2002. The office continues to fulfill its mission of strengthening the voice of the VI with His Majesty’s Government and enhancing the regional and international impact and reputation of the VI. The office in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament and the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports facilitated the territories participation in this historical event, the press release stated.
The morning sitting can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfsZ2QB1N3M
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21 Responses to “Young VIslander Charity Rymer speaks in UK House of Commons”
Very good speech btw
With her sterling performance, she represented the VI well and all Virgin Islanders should be beaming with pride. The future of the VI lies with Gen Z, Gen Alpha and follow Gens yet unborn. The Silent Gen, Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials have the responsibility to set up the framework for passing the baton flawlessly to them.