The Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP) will be re-launched on Tuesday, October 20 and re-assigned under the ambit of the House of Assembly in keeping with the Commonwealth Parliament best practices.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Julian Willock said he was very excited that the programme to build young democracy is being built and will host the re-launching ceremony after a few setbacks.

Honourable Willock said, “The Virgin Islands Youth Parliament will allow young people to participate in local, regional and international debates on issues facing our societies, and our Youth Parliamentarians will also focus on youth governance in the Territory and bring youth awareness, education and training.” 

Premier and Leader of Government’s business, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie had stated earlier in the year that he believes the Youth Parliament will “contribute to a strong and secure Territory in years to come”.

“Youth Parliament like others in the region and the Commonwealth will enable young people across the Territory to diversify their skills, be grounded in a civic consciousness, national identity and play their roles as the next generation of leaders and visionaries,” the Premier said at the time.

One of the members of the soon-to-be launched Youth Parliament, Mr. Kevin Fahie spoke on behalf of the other young parliamentarians. “We are very enthusiastic about this launch,” he said, adding, “We are ready to partner with each other and with our local legislators as we strive to make an impact in our community.”

Workshops were held March, April and June for potential members and focused on topics including the History of the Legislative Chamber/Council of the BVI; the Role of the Legislative Branch; the Role of the Speaker; the House of Assembly; Standing Orders; and the Constitution.

A resolution was passed during the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly for the appointment of a Special Select Committee to manage the Youth Parliament. The committee members are: Honourable Julian Willock (Chairman); Honourable Neville A. Smith; Honourable Kye M. Rymer; Honourable Sharie B. de Castro; Honouable Julian Fraser; Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull; Honourable Marlon A. Penn; and Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles. The make-up of the Youth Parliament will be brought in line with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Associations (CPA) guidance on Youth Parliaments across the region.

The re-launching ceremony of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament will be held at the HLavity Stoutt Community College, Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium on Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will be aired LIVE on Government’s Facebook page @BVIGovernment.