The Youth Parliament is our voice

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Young Observer reporter Nari Williams visited the Bermuda Youth Parliament’s opening session at the House of Assembly last week. This is her report.

Walking onto the grounds of the House of Assembly I didn’t know what to expect. Though I had passed the building numerous times I had never actually gone past that metal gate or up those concrete steps and the idea of doing it today was daunting, even more so now that I was on a reporting job. It took me a while to even get into the building. I must have heard the directions wrong or something of that sort, for I came face to face with a locked door, resulting in incessant hammering in my chest.

Upon gaining entry, (honestly, I should have asked for directions sooner) I was greeted by wooden walls, lush red carpet and pictures of previous Parliament members. The whole room gave off a dignified sort of feeling which was only furthered by the students participating. People in crisp school uniforms just like me were sitting behind desks on either side. They sat upon wooden chairs with microphones in front of them. Further to the back there was a big chair, and a desk which also had a microphone.

Youth Parliament, as I was told, strives to provide education on Parliamentary procedures, create awareness of current issues and events, and to develop relationships between our young people in our society. They discuss the issues plaguing our homeland today and try and find solutions for these problems. This is what Ryan Robinson, a fellow student of The Berkeley Institute and Premier of Youth Parliament, told me upon entry. He went on to explain how they aim to represent young people and how Youth Parliament mirrors the real Parliament. This means that the things the real Parliament do, the Youth Parliament does as well.

There are many people in this organisation. There’s the Premier, the Speaker, the Clerk, the Sergeant of Arms and the Lead Advisor to name a few. Each of them has a specific job they have to fulfil in order for the meetings to be a success.

For example the Sergeant of Arms is like the bailiff. He makes sure there are no fights and everything runs smoothly. Another example is the Clerk, who e-mails everyone details about the meetings. Below the seated officers are the general Parliament members.

I believe Youth Parliament is a worthwhile experience. Not only do they learn about the government and act as Parliament members it is also a way to meet new people and voice your opinions on different issues facing Bermuda today.

Youth Parliament gives a voice to those who usually are not given one. Being between the ages of 14 to 24 myself, I know the feeling of not being taken seriously. Sometimes we feel like no matter what we do, we can’t make a difference, but Youth Parliament proves this wrong. The things they do here are actually sent to the real Parliament!”

Youth Parliament is our voice.

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