The British Virgin Islands is one of seven countries in the region with an updated Youth Policy following the launch of the Virgin Islands National Youth Policy and Strategic Framework on Monday.

The launch reflects the Government’s determination to give the youth a solid foundation on which they can grow as individuals, and as responsible citizens of the Territory and the world.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE stated, “I am pleased that in giving our youth a voice, the National Youth Policy includes the creation of the Virgin Islands Youth Commission, the National Youth Council and the National Youth Parliament.” 

The Premier added, “We envision that through these three bodies, the Territory’s next generation of leaders and parliamentarians will be trained on the guiding principles of democracy, good governance, advocacy, human rights and the law.”

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said that he was looking forward to the institutionalisation of the National Youth Commission, the National Youth Council and Youth Parliament.

He said, “As early as July, the youth of this Territory will have the opportunity to take ownership of this Youth Policy as we prepare them to be a part of the sitting of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s meeting, which will be held here in the Virgin Islands.”

The Minister further stated that the Youth Parliament will enable young people across the Territory to develop their skills and to advocate meaningfully on different platforms and themes that impact them.

Honourable Walwyn said the parliament contributes to a strong and secure Territory by developing young people and by their participation, allowing them to mature as politically accountable and responsible citizens grounded in a civic consciousness, national identity, democracy, and the rule of law and respect for rights and diversity.

Presentations of the Youth Policy were made to students of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the Elmore Stoutt High School and members of the Rotaract Clubs of Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

The Virgin Islands National Youth Policy and Strategic Framework is a policy in place to provide strategic vision and direction to ensure better lives, livelihoods and success outcomes for the Territory’s youth.