Graduated Licensing is one of the issues Youth Parliament will be focusing on this year.

In addition, members of youth parliament will be challenged to work on national issues concerning young people and present their findings to Government.

Youth Parliament Bermuda (YPB) Advisor, Lisa DeSilva explained workshops took place yesterday at ACE Bermuda with 20 students from public and private schools doing mock debates on the 400th anniversary celebrations.

Ms DeSilva said the event was successful and explained the purpose was to introduce new students to YPB and show them some of the aims and goals for the new year.

She said: "The initiative was organised to invite students from both the public and private schools to come and learn how YPB operates and why they should become involved.

"A practice resolution was organised by Mr. Gladstone Thompson, in which the Government and Opposition debated the following; 'Be it resolved that the youth component of the 400-year celebrations should be an annual event'. The resolution generated strong discussions and arguments from the young people who attended."

Ms DeSilva said because it was a mock debate, there was no winner but added: "We wanted to see if they could articulate their ideas and opinions, listen take notes and have rebottles. And get them comfortable with standing up and voicing their views."

Another addition Ms DeSilva would like to add to the programme is having a representative at YPB from each constituency so that they can work with the MPs in their areas.

There will also be a new newsletter published every two to three months discussing issues that young people in Bermuda are concerned about. It will go to public and private schools and anywhere students are involved.

Students between the ages of 13 and 18 who are interested in joining YPB should attend the opening session on Wednesday in the House of Assembly from 4 to 6 p.m.