Dear Editor,
I have a few comments regarding the on-going Youth Parliament, that is now a staple in local politics. I am happy that Kwame McCoy is still as zestful over it, as he was when in the fray as a participant.
First, it is common knowledge that political participation and civic engagement are important factors in youth development. These allow them to effectively learn about their rights, obligations, and responsibilities as citizens, through a range of engagement activities, which can serve as a foundation for their transition to adulthood.
So, I am right behind the Minister Kwame McCoy, for timely stating that “Our Youth Parliament has always provided a forum for young Guyanese to develop and express their opinions on societal topics in a kind and positive environment, where they are all embraced, mentored, and provided a platform to debate and jointly brainstorm on the possible solutions to a wide range of current challenges.”
Let me further detail that the law-making bodies are required to discuss various local, national and international issues and then make suitable laws on them. The members of these bodies present all points of views and try to represent all kinds of interests related to a problem. Eventually there is accommodation of various interests and a compromise decision is taken. An effort is always made to take such a decision as would please most and antagonise least.
As we all know, such decisions are frequently taken by Parliament. The decisions of Parliament are important since they affect the whole country. Each one of us is affected by the decisions of Parliament. The decisions are really the result of long drawn debates. For conducting debates in Parliament, a detailed procedure of rules is followed. The rules are based on democratic principles. By these rules it is ensured that everybody gets a chance to be heard and a proper decorum is maintained in the course of discussion that goes on in Parliament. What is the conclusion? The earlier people are introduced to this culture, then the better off ever one is. Kwame struck the nail in the head when he declared that “… your participation (the youths’) in Youth Parliament holds tremendous benefits. You take so much more back with you to your communities, homes, schools, and other parts of your life.”
Another consideration is that I think we all know in today’s world, the number and potential of youth in the demographic dividend are being considered as the driving forces of state development. Therefore, the omnipotent policy position of the youth in important practices like democracy, expression of opinion, and active civic practice is essential. The younger generation, accounting for 4% of the world’s population, and UNESCO Youth, predict that by 2030, about 78 million new young people will be added to the world population.
What this means is that Youth Parliament, now in its eighth year, will again get the chance to foster participants’ learning to recognise and respect different perspectives as well as becoming more confident in expressing their views publicly. This is very healthy for Guyana and is a wonderful omen.
My personal take is that the Youth Parliament helps to stimulate the interest of young people in the welfare of their nation and promote a spirit of co-operation, understanding and goodwill among all, and to provide a non partisan opportunity, through the parliamentary process, to gain a practical educational experience in leadership, public speaking, and debate. As the Minister McCoy pointed out, “These are crucial skills, which are needed, with Guyana being in the midst of unprecedented accelerated growth in both oil and non-oil sectors.
This time around, some 86 young people are participating in Youth Parliament. They were selected from a series of debates held under the Speaker’s Youth Debating Competition throughout the country over the past few months. In terms of prepping the principals before the sittings, participants received mentorship and relevant information on the role of the Parliament, as well as public speaking skills.
Auspicious indeed.
Yours truly,
HB Singh
