The 10th Annual Youth Parliament commenced on Tuesday with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. underscoring the importance of young people’s involvement in politics.
This year’s event is monumental as it marks a decade of the competition’s existence. It will run from August 12 – August 16 with training and physical sittings of the competition, and it will culminate with an award ceremony, which will have ten awards distributed to youths for their exemplary work in the field.
There are 92 youth participants.
At the virtual launching ceremony, the minister told the youths to work hard because this is a stepping stone for greater achievements in similar fields.
The Youth Parliament in Guyana is a national initiative that gives young people a platform to engage with the country’s democratic process and develop leadership skills. It simulates the operations of the National Assembly, allowing participants to debate issues of national importance, draft motions, and present arguments in a formal parliamentary setting.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
“It is a very natural feeling, sentiment and desire to want to contribute and help people, being involved in public services is amongst the highest levels of helping people.
“Whether you can participate even deeper to get involved in politics and at the highest level. I would like to say too that there’s a lot of room in politics for young people to be involved. A lot of room, as you can see in on our candidates list, we have so many young people in government,” Ramson said.
He advised the youths to maintain good spirits throughout the competition and to ensure there is strong delivery of their points during their presentations. He also advised them to avoid personalising the competition.
British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller
British High Commissioner Jane Miller also attended the ceremony and said the competition is taking place at a critical time as the country will soon host its General and Regional Elections. She also advised the youths to debate respectfully.
“Yes you’ll have differing views. That’s the whole purpose of Parliament, to have problem solving and to debate, but disagree agreeably, act with respect,” the British High Commissioner said.
The week of activities comprise of training sessions, which allows for speaking and debate practice, touring the Public Buildings, and finally, the sitting of the Youth Parliament. By exposing the youths to the workings of government and fostering civic responsibility, the Youth Parliament helps prepare participants for future roles in public service, politics, and community leadership.
The post Lots of room for young people in politics – Charles Ramson appeared first on News Room Guyana.
