Nineteen students aged 14-19 have chosen two attention-grabbing topics for their debates in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Eleventh Youth Parliament that takes place at the LA on Monday, 12 March 2018.

The two subjects for debate are both being brought through Private Member Motions. The first seeks to amend the Elections Law, to mandate candidates reside in the districts they wish to represent. The second asks that the Education Law be amended to raise the compulsory school age from 17 to 18 and to reintroduce A-levels as compulsory under the Government education system, except in the Further Education Centre.

“The students have been preparing well, trying to master parliamentary procedures and practices in the Cayman Islands LA as well as putting in the most time on their debates on these timely topics. I am very pleased with the topics they have chosen and look forward to passionate debates from both benches,” Youth Parliament Committee Chairperson, Ms Barbara Conolly, commented.

The 10 girls and 9 boys are all in high school except for three who are currently at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). Also, except for four return students, all the others are first timers, elaborates Clerk of the LA, Ms Zena Merren-Chin.

Their trainers have included Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ezzard Miller and MLA and former Minister, Mr. Arden McLean as well as Youth Parliament Committee members MLAs Mr. Kenneth Bryan, Mr. David Wight and Chair Ms. Conolly.

The major sponsor for this year’s Youth Parliament is the law firm Harneys, the Clerk added.

Partner Mr. Nick Hoffman said: “Harneys is thrilled to be in the position to continue to support the local community and youth projects in particular. The next generation of parliamentarians will no doubt find its core in those who were selected to attend this scheme and the experience and knowledge of the Legislative Assembly gained will be invaluable. We look forward to watching each of the candidates progress in future years and wish them every success.”

Members of the public are invited to attend and encourage the young persons in their parliamentary venture on Monday that is held annually by the local branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to commemorate Commonwealth Day.

During his remarks, the Speaker, Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, will also read out the Queen’s Commonwealth Day message at the opening ceremony that starts at 10.30 am and includes remarks by the Speaker, Ms Conolly and the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP who will declare the Youth Parliament open.

All attendees are expected to be seated by 10.25 am. The event is to run until 2.30 pm with a lunch break in between.

(GIS)

Photo caption: Jessica Jurgens, Harneys

Partner of law firm Harneys, Mr. Nick Hoffman presents the main sponsor’s cheque for this year’s Youth Parliament to the students on the steps of the Legislative Assembly.