Government officials have congratulated the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) for successfully hosting their maiden Youth Parliament from March 23-24. Thirty youths aged 18-35 years participated in this year’s conference which focused on national development and government polity in Dominica.
The Minister for Education and National Excellence, Octavia Alfred; Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Dr. Adis King; and Minister for Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre, who stood in for PM Roosevelt Skerrit, all commended the national youth representatives for organizing a successful meeting aimed at raising the voices of youths in government.
Alfred commended NYCD President, Ashma McDougall, and other parliamentarians for the initiative, saying the event will enable youths in the country to contribute to national development. She said youth inclusiveness is important for growth and opportunities for education, employment, sports, technology, family life, and property ownership among others.
By giving you, the young people of Dominica, greater visibility, urgency, and advocacy in the country’s affairs through Youth Parliament…we are opening a new path for Dominica’s youth to serve and keep a viable national population by contributing their skills, energy, and talent to the national cause.
Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education and National Excellence
Adis King said the event will empower young parliamentarians to express their views on national issues in a way that will make them better representatives of the people.
The value of young people being given a platform to express their views and opinion is really priceless’. It should therefore not be taken lightly. I encourage you to speak freely but respectfully. You are all considered intelligent and thus capable of excellent communication. The debate topics are of tremendous national importance.
You have the opportunity to bring forward your views and draw out that of your peers. You have the opportunity to explain exactly how you as young parliamentarians would like to see the country progress over the next few years. This is your stage. You will be able to influence policy decisions with your debate.
Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment
Dr. McIntyre added that the Skerrit-led administration is happy to provide Dominican youths with the platform for self-expression and actualization, and that the government would be glad to evaluate the recommendations of the young parliamentarians for possible implementation.
NYCD President McDougall thanked the youths and government representatives who graced the occasion. She said the conclusion of the conference does not indicate the conclusion of matters raised at the sessions.
We’re going into our communities, we’re meeting with young people, we’re understanding their challenges, so that we can effect change.
Ashma McDougall, NYCD President
Parts of the issues examined at the conference include legalization of medical cannabis, agricultural economics, employment creation, digital technology, renewable energy, and youth empowerment among others.
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