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LOCAL NEWS

NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL INAUGURATES YOUTH PARLIAMENT

The Virgin Islands National Youth Council (VINYC) has issued an appeal to BVIslander youth to become more involved in the future development of the territory. VINYC President Mrs. Debra Hodge expressed disappointment at their involvement, as she delivered the welcome and opening remarks at the Inauguration and First Sitting of the Virgin Islands National Youth Council Youth Parliament, held Saturday January 6th at the Legislative Council Chambers in Road Town. "It is important to me this evening that I share with you how disappointing it has been trying to get BV Islander young men and women to participate in this Youth Parliament, she lamented. "Can you imagine, out of some 40 plus applications for positions in this debate, only eight of these youth were BV Islanders?

The VINYC President charged that the young men and women of the British Virgin Islands are too caught up in the worldly pleasures and have absolutely no interest in their country,s development. She said this is one of the many obstacles facing the Virgin Islands National Youth Council as they try to groom young men and women into becoming the future leaders of tomorrow. "I encourage any one of you here present to spend some time and check out the youth groups around the islands and you will hardly find BV Islander young men and women involved, she challenged. The hosting of this Youth Parliament comes following Mrs. Hodge,s attendance at the International Youth Parliament in Sydney, Australia in October 2000. She was the sole representative from the BVI and because of her excellent representation, was chosen to be her group,s Representative in the Legislative Council Chambers at the historic New South Wales Parliament House. "The IYP2000 helped me to develop my own goals and translate them into a reality. She said her immediate goal on returning home was to coordinate a Youth Parliament in the Virgin Islands, to get more youth interested and involved in the decision-making process here. She said the establishment of a Youth Parliament presents an opportunity for the voice of all youth to be heard, so that they could pave a highway and build a bridge for the continuity of the democratic process.

The President of the National Youth Council said in the future, these young people will be given the opportunity to participate in youth parliaments both regionally and internationally. The local Sittings will serve not only as preparation, but will provide youth with a wide range of oratory and decision-making skills; for many young people, a Youth Parliament is not just simple discussions, it is a social action plan indicating a statement of commitment to the society that they are serious about youth issues and are prepared to uncompromisingly pursue their fulfillment, she added. In preparing for this forum, the National Youth Council members visited more than 20 groups in various committees, uniformed, service, church and other groups. On the actual night, the young people debated a Motion relating to Domestic Violence and whether or not it is a major issue in the British Virgin Islands.

Over the past months, many residents, including Members of the Legislative Council, have raised numerous concerns about this social ill. The youth of the territory got their opportunity to air their views during the Youth Parliament. Before debate began, remarks were delivered by Speaker of the House the Honourable Reuben Vanterpool, Chief Minister Hon. Ralph T. O,Neal, Leader of the Opposition Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Andrew Fahie. For the Youth Parliament, Patricia Smith played Speaker of the House, Mechael Baird Clerk and Members of the Legislative Council Kimberly Crabbe Rep. For the 7th District, Trisha Evans Rep. District 4, Richard Georges At Large Rep., Orson Harry Rep. 6th District, Ralston Henry Rep. 8th District, Renaldo Hewlette Rep. 5th District, Akil Johnson At Large Rep., Russell Jones Rep. 3rd District, Ann Robert At Large Rep, Laurilee Sprauve Rep. 9th District, Paul Thomas Rep. 1st District and Debra Hodge At Large Representative.

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			LOCAL NEWS

			NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL INAUGURATES YOUTH PARLIAMENT The Virgin Islands National Youth Council (VINYC) has issued an appeal to BVIslander youth to become more involved in the future development of the territory. VINYC President Mrs. Debra Hodge expressed disappointment at their involvement, as she delivered the welcome and opening remarks at the Inauguration and First Sitting of the Virgin Islands National Youth Council Youth Parliament, held Saturday January 6th at the Legislative Council Chambers in Road Town. "It is important to me this evening that I share with you how disappointing it has been trying to get BV Islander young men and women to participate in this Youth Parliament, she lamented. "Can you imagine, out of some 40 plus applications for positions in this debate, only eight of these youth were BV Islanders? The VINYC President charged that the young men and women of the British Virgin Islands are too caught up in the worldly pleasures and have absolutely no interest in their country,s development. She said this is one of the many obstacles facing the Virgin Islands National Youth Council as they try to groom young men and women into becoming the future leaders of tomorrow. "I encourage any one of you here present to spend some time and check out the youth groups around the islands and you will hardly find BV Islander young men and women involved, she challenged. The hosting of this Youth Parliament comes following Mrs. Hodge,s attendance at the International Youth Parliament in Sydney, Australia in October 2000. She was the sole representative from the BVI and because of her excellent representation, was chosen to be her group,s Representative in the Legislative Council Chambers at the historic New South Wales Parliament House. "The IYP2000 helped me to develop my own goals and translate them into a reality. She said her immediate goal on returning home was to coordinate a Youth Parliament in the Virgin Islands, to get more youth interested and involved in the decision-making process here. She said the establishment of a Youth Parliament presents an opportunity for the voice of all youth to be heard, so that they could pave a highway and build a bridge for the continuity of the democratic process. The President of the National Youth Council said in the future, these young people will be given the opportunity to participate in youth parliaments both regionally and internationally. The local Sittings will serve not only as preparation, but will provide youth with a wide range of oratory and decision-making skills; for many young people, a Youth Parliament is not just simple discussions, it is a social action plan indicating a statement of commitment to the society that they are serious about youth issues and are prepared to uncompromisingly pursue their fulfillment, she added. In preparing for this forum, the National Youth Council members visited more than 20 groups in various committees, uniformed, service, church and other groups. On the actual night, the young people debated a Motion relating to Domestic Violence and whether or not it is a major issue in the British Virgin Islands. Over the past months, many residents, including Members of the Legislative Council, have raised numerous concerns about this social ill. The youth of the territory got their opportunity to air their views during the Youth Parliament. Before debate began, remarks were delivered by Speaker of the House the Honourable Reuben Vanterpool, Chief Minister Hon. Ralph T. O,Neal, Leader of the Opposition Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Andrew Fahie. For the Youth Parliament, Patricia Smith played Speaker of the House, Mechael Baird Clerk and Members of the Legislative Council Kimberly Crabbe Rep. For the 7th District, Trisha Evans Rep. District 4, Richard Georges At Large Rep., Orson Harry Rep. 6th District, Ralston Henry Rep. 8th District, Renaldo Hewlette Rep. 5th District, Akil Johnson At Large Rep., Russell Jones Rep. 3rd District, Ann Robert At Large Rep, Laurilee Sprauve Rep. 9th District, Paul Thomas Rep. 1st District and Debra Hodge At Large Representative.
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