Intense first sitting of Youth parliament anticipated
DPI, GUYANA, Wednesday, August 09, 2017
“It will be very heated; it will be intense. I can guarantee you that… these children are excited… I think Guyana will stop and listen for that whole day… it is just something refreshing,” according to Eden Corbin, the Assistant Coordinator for the Youth Parliament. The debate scheduled for tomorrow is expected to be a vigorous one, and it will be one the Guyanese public will want to hear.
Some of the youth parliamentarians intensely preparing for the debate on Thursday.
The first sitting for Youth Parliament will start tomorrow in the Parliament. Students will be debating motions on topical matters such as the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, suicide prevention, capping of CSEC subjects and the oil and gas industry.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with several participants who expressed readiness and confidence for the upcoming debate.
Danelle Williams from Three Miles Secondary School, Bartica, explained that her area of focus will be on the oil and gas industry. She noted the preparation leading up to the debate has not been easy. “I am doing a lot of research, we have a lot of sleepless nights and the mentors are helping us in some areas with information and their experience,” Williams said.
However, despite the experience being overwhelmed at times, she would encourage her fellow colleagues to become involved.
“The Youth Parliament is an exciting event that I am excited to be participating in, because it is widening my scope of knowledge in evolving political activities that I did not know of,” said Sheman Ram from Berbice High School. Ram shared that he was chosen by his teachers and accepted the offer, since he believes he has the qualities of a good debater. He will also focus on the oil and gas industry.
Meanwhile, concentrating on the Guyana Venezuela controversy, Port Kaituma Secondary School student, Slyvia DaSilva said she is using a wide range of resources to gain information for her debate. “I am getting assistance from the teachers, I am using the internet and I am using textbooks in the library.”
Assistant Coordinator, Eden Corbin, posited, “This week is going to be amazing, I have interacted with some great young minds; just listening to them makes me feel like we can continue doing this.”
Hailing from Region Eight, Keron Williams from Paramakatoi Secondary School who aspires to be a doctor said, thus far the experience is enlightening, “… I am learning a lot now that I did not know before, it is a really good experience.” Williams indicated that he will be making use of the handouts received from Parliament, along with sources from the internet to prepare for the debate tomorrow. He will also be discussing the oil and gas industry.
On August 03, the Parliament Office officially launched its Youth Parliament with the participation of 40 students from secondary schools across nine administrative regions.
The event is being held from August 6-12 under the theme “Our Generation, Our Voice to Inspire, Encourage, Impact”.
Youth Parliament began in 2015 when Minister Raphael Trotman served as Speaker. While the event was usually hosted in observation of Commonwealth Day, this August sitting is expected to become an annual feature.
By: Crystal Stoll
Eden Corbin, Assistant Coordinator for Youth Parliament.
Member of the Opposition, Daenielle Williams.
Elected Minister of Business, Keron Williams.
Elected Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Sylvia DaSilva.