Youth Director explains… Youth representation not limited to National Assembly

June 7, 2015

FOLLOWING observations that there has been reduced youth representation in the 11th Parliament, scheduled to commence this week, Director of Youth Trevor Williams has noted that youth representation is not limited to the National Assembly. Since the announcement of the names of the 33 Members of Parliament who were selected by the APNU+AFC government, some youths have expressed dissatisfaction that the youth

Director of Youth Trevor Williams

representation in the National Assembly has been reduced.

But, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, the recently sworn in Director of Youth, who is also a former MP, weighed in on the issue, although an official statement from the President is still expected.

Acknowledging that there have been “concerns raised” regarding the selection of persons to occupy the 33 allocated parliamentary seats to the APNU+AFC, Williams related that the absence of youth at that level does not translate to the absence of youth work in the political environment.

According to Williams, the youth agenda, which has been a focus of the new administration, will continue to take precedence in other political spheres which can meaningfully contribute to youth development.

He further disclosed that the current administration is well aware of the work that needs to be done at the youth level, and will continue to work towards balancing the system and ensuring that youth representation at key levels are not neglected.

In closing, Williams reiterated that representation of youths is not just limited to the National Assembly, as “there are many other areas for youths to be active in.”

As it relates to the National Youth Policy which has been in the making since 1992, Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who is responsible for youth, recently disclosed that work which will produce a draft of the youth policy, is currently underway.

Dr. Roopnaraine had explained in an interview that consultations with various youth groups and organisations are currently being held to assist in drafting a comprehensive policy which will aim to redefine the role youths play in today’s society.

Both Williams and recently sworn in Director of Sports, Christopher Jones are former MPs who served in the 10th Parliament for the AFC and APNU respectively.

By Ravin Singh