AS part of its ongoing efforts to sensitise citizens about Parliament and its functions, Parliament Office has organised the third annual sitting of the Youth Parliament which is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2017.
This announcement was made by Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, during the final sitting of the august Assembly for this season on Friday. He said that between August 6 and 12, a series of activities related to the Youth Parliament have been organised, with the actual sitting being held on the 10th.

According to Dr. Scotland, the debate on Thursday will be centred on four topical areas, which were chosen with the hope of stimulating thinking among the students, enriching their knowledge and generating robust discussions.
The topics identified are: the oil and gas sector in Guyana; the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy; guidelines for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects to be offered by secondary schools; and preventing suicide in Guyana.
Thirty-five students between the ages of 14 and 17 from nine administrative regions are expected to participate in this event.

The participants will assume the roles of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, Leader of the Opposition, Members of the Government and Opposition, Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Speaker explained that in addition to its sensitisation role, this activity seeks to boost the students’ morale, develop debating skills and hone leadership skills.

An opportunity will also be presented for students to engage with the Speaker, Members of Parliament (MP), and senior staff of the Parliament Office, who will also serve as mentors and assist them in finalising speeches, and developing elocution/debating skills.
A prize-giving dinner will also be held for the students upon completion of this exercise.
The activity is one which is highly anticipated among youths, who have a keen interest in pursuing politics and even those who do it merely for the experience.