–Speaker urges eager youngsters as Youth Parliament opens

Guyana’s Youth Parliament opened on Monday with Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland calling on the young leaders to take ownership of the House.
“This House is your House; the Parliament belongs to all of us and we must cherish it; we must add to its luster. We must improve it, we must see it as a place to which we can contribute,” Dr. Scotland told the more than 35 secondary school students who travelled from various parts of Guyana to participate in the auspicious event.
Youth Parliament 2017 is the third of its kind to be held in Guyana, with participants drawn from all 10 Administrative Regions, with the exception of Region Two.
As he addressed the students, who, from all indications, were enthusiastic about the day’s offering, the Speaker made it clear that the week-long forum was not designed to transform them into “politicians”.
“The intention is not to make young politicians; I would say the intention is to make young leaders and good communities,” he posited.

In addition to debating a wide range of issues, Dr. Scotland posited that during the mock Parliament, they would be educated about Parliamentary Procedures while having a hands-on approach about the work of the National Assembly.
“It would also help you to understand how laws are made in Guyana. During your discussions on a particular topic, you will discover that you are going to have different viewpoints, and some will urge their viewpoints very seriously; very persuasively, and that is what happens in Parliament.
“You will learn how to urge your point without being rude or disrespectful… You will learn to urge your point, not losing sight of the fact that the other person has an equally urgent point they wish to make,” he explained.
Chief Administrative Officer of the Parliament’s Office, Ms. Monette Garnett-Christopher, in brief remarks, recalled that the first Youth Parliament was held in 2015 under the stewardship of then Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman.
“In the year 2015, the Parliament of Guyana under the Speakership of the Honourable Raphael Trotman, commenced Youth Parliament with the objective to ensure young people are involved in Parliamentary Democracy, and understand the principles that underpin democracy while molding future leaders,” she explained.
This year, she posited, is no exception, but pointed out that this is the first time it is standing on its own away from Commonwealth observation.

WIDE-RANGING

The topics that will be debated on Thursday will be wide-ranging but of national interest, she added.
“Over a six-day period, you, our future leaders will be engaged in several activities. Most importantly, you will be debating on topical matters such as the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy, Suicide Prevention, Capping of CSEC subjects and the Oil and Gas Sector,” the Chief Administrative Officer further explained.
She said it is the hope of the Parliament Office that at the end of the six-day programme, the young leaders will have a better appreciation for the Parliamentary system, and will be propelled in the direction of greater leadership.
The 35 students between the ages of 14 and 17, 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.
In addition to learning about the work of Parliament, the programme 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 (MPs), and senior staff of the Parliament Office, who will also serve as mentors and assist them in finalising speeches,and develop 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.