Cayman Islands: Nineteen Youth Parliamentarians were felicitated at a reception.

Top performers received awards.

Leading public officials attended to encourage the youth.

Following their success at the 11th CPA Youth Parliament on Commonwealth Day, 19 local students were celebrated at a special reception held in their honour, where they also got a chance to meet and interact with top government officials.

The officials included His Excellency the Acting Governor, Mr. Franz Manderson; Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin; Speaker Hon. McKeeva Bush; Youth Parliament Organising Committee Chair, Councillor and MLA, Ms Barbara Conolly; Committee Member, Councillor and MLA, Mr. David Wight and Committee Members and MLAs, Mr. Alva Suckoo and Mr. Kenneth Bryan.

They joined parents, teachers and other guests to applaud and encourage the youth on Monday, 12 March 2018 evening at the George Town Yacht Club.

Clerk of the LA, Ms Zena Merren-Chin emphasised the consistent effort put in by the youth parliamentarians since October last year.

Premier in the Youth Parliament Richard Webber received the best debater in government award, as voted by fellow participants. That same honour on the opposition side went to Deputy Leader of the Opposition Daina Levy.

Alejandro Whitaker and Ashleigh Chin were recognised for full attendance. Every participant received a plaque and certificate.

Also recognised were major sponsor Harneys, represented by Partner Nick Hoffman, Government Information Services, represented by Bina Mani and Radio Cayman, by Director Norma McField.

(GIS)

Photo captions Photos by Bina Mani, GIS

1.Youth Parliamentarians, with top public officials led by His Excellency the Acting Governor, Mr. Franz Manderson, Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin and Speaker, Hon. McKeeva Bush

2.Richard Weber receives the best debater for government plaque from the Speaker, Hon. McKeeva Bush.

3.Best debater for the Opposition Daina Levy receives the award from the Speaker, Hon. McKeeva Bush.

4.Youth Parliament Organising Committee Chairperson and Councillor, Ms Barbara Conolly presents the best attendance award to Ashleigh Chin.

5.Alejandro Whitaker receives the best attendance award from Youth Parliament Organising Committee Chairperson and Councillor, Ms Barbara Conolly.

6.Harneys’ Partner, Mr. Nick Hoffman representing the major sponsor of this year’s Youth Parliament, receives a certificate in recognition from Clerk of the LA, Ms Zena Merren Chin.