Bermuda’s Youth Parliament opened its latest session yesterday afternoon, continuing its mission to empower young Bermudians.

In a speech opening the 2014-15 session, Youth Premier Dejanee Hill-Edwards said: “It is no secret that in today’s society, we as Bermuda face prevalent violence and crime as well as a struggling economy.

“However, we must not forget the less pressing issues that still push an impactful force against us. As the young people of this country, we have no choice but to deal with these social dilemmas on a daily basis.

“It is from this that Youth Parliament plants its base. We believe that the youth of Bermuda should not go unheard and that it is up to us to take a stand and attempt to propose possible solutions to these rampant issues.”

She stressed the importance of young people making their voices heard on critical issues facing the country, calling the Youth Parliament a critical outlet through which they could express their opinions.

“A country’s greatest asset is its people,” she said. “The younger generation is by far the more innovative generation. With the ideas and opinions that can be generated, a tidal wave of endless possibilities can be sparked.

“Youth voices are crucial to the overall effectiveness of the society. Without it, who will be there to promote change?”

In an effort to bring Youth Parliament closer in line to the real cabinet, Dejanee said this year the Youth Parliament will reinstitute ministries mirroring the real ministries in Government. The Young Parliamentarians will also present their views following debate to the corresponding Minister in the real Cabinet.

The first debate to be held during this session is set to take place on December 3, debating if school administrators should implement a policy banning all interactions between students and teachers via social media and personal e-mail accounts.

Other topics to be debated include the privatisation of Government ministries, preventing sexually transmitted diseases in teenagers and the decriminalisation of marijuana.

Outside of the House of Assembly, Members of the Youth Parliament will host its annual Commonwealth Day Conference and it is hoped that two members will attend the Commonwealth Day Observance in London.

“As young people, we have the tools and opportunities to bring about change more than ever,” Ms Hill-Edwards said.

“We must remain optimistic and continue to not only hope for big changes, but to take action. Rather than being reactive, we must commit ourselves to be proactive.

“During the 2014-2015 Session, Youth Parliament is committed to tackling the concerning issues that lurk among society which affect the youth directly and indirectly, and generate solutions to these problems.

“In conclusion, as Youth Parliamentarians, we are tomorrow’s leaders solving the issues of today.”