National Youth Policy Working Group Announced
Earlier today [Feb 23] the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets formally announced the members of the National Youth Policy Working Group.
A Government spokesperson said, The public will recall that the National Youth Policy, a 2020 Throne Speech pledge, was launched last year, and it aims to provide a unified approach in tackling the issues faced by Bermuda’s young people. The Working Group will implement the eight Policy goals outlined in the youth plan.
“The Working Group members are as follows:
- Ariana Caines, Chair
- Dr Nisrine Atieh
- Pastor Leroy Bean
- Emmanuel Faria
- Danielle Frith
- Kelly Hunt
- Kimberley Jackson
- Melissa Looby
- Ajai Peets
- Tanika Rayner
- Terri-Lynn Richardson
- Marli Amne Spriggs
- Seon Tatem
- Judy Teart
- McKenzie Tuckett
- Theo Wolffe
- Seldon Woolridge
Premier Burt’s remarks:
Premier Burt said, “Good afternoon, Minister, Madam Chair, our new Working Group members, Senior Youth Development Officer, Nadine Henry and members of the media.
“In the Government’s 2020 Election Platform as well as our 2021 Throne Speech we committed to the establishment of the National Youth Policy aimed at fostering direct engagement with our youth in the development of government policies.
“Programmes that serve our youth will be reviewed for effective delivery and revised as necessary to ensure that we continue to inspire a generation of informed and independent thinkers. The implementation of the National Youth Policy and the establishment of this Working Group demonstrates that the Government values and respects the contributions young Bermudians make to our society.
“Investing in Bermuda’s youth is an investment in the future of Bermuda. Young people need to be engaged, encouraged and empowered.
“The Youth Policy Working Group that we are announcing today is made up of individuals who will do just that. Each of them brings to this Group a variety of experiences and skills, and all of them share a common commitment to improving the lives of young Bermudians. I am grateful to these 18 individuals who have answered an important call to serve and see through the essential initiatives and goals within the National Youth Policy.
“I thank the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets, his Ministry team, as well as the team at the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation for their hard work in bringing this Working Group together.
“I also thank them for their commitment to the success of the National Youth Policy and their commitment to the youth of Bermuda. Finally, thank you to our new Youth Policy Working Group Chair Ariana Caines and all of the members who are devoting their time to embark on work that undoubtedly has a positive impact on the young people of today and in the years to come. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Minister Dr. Peets remarks:
Minister Dr. Peets said, “Good afternoon and thank you for joining us.
“You will recall that when I launched the National Youth Policy last year, we committed to engaging and empowering our young people, whose future is most affected by society’s actions today.
“I also shared at the time that the National Youth Policy provides a unified approach to tackle issues faced by Bermuda’s youth and provide them with the support to have positive and productive futures.
“At its launch last year, we also committed to creating a Working Group with a broad and diverse membership that could represent the Youth Policy’s goals.
“Today, I am pleased to announce the members of the National Youth Policy Working Group.
“They are:
- Ariana Caines, Chair
- Dr Nisrine Atieh
- Pastor Leroy Bean
- Emmanuel Faria
- Danielle Frith
- Kelly Hunt
- Kimberley Jackson
- Melissa Looby
- Ajai Peets
- Tanika Rayner
- Terri-Lynn Richardson
- Marli Amne Spriggs
- Seon Tatem
- Judy Teart
- McKenzie Tuckett
- Theo Wolffe
- Seldon Woolridge
“Our Ex-Officio is Mrs. Nadine Henry who is also one of the driving forces behind this initiative.
“We believe that we have selected a balanced and representative Working Group of highly skilled and committed individuals, and I have tremendous confidence in what they will achieve with the National Youth Policy as its call to arms.
“These individuals, who hail from a range of professional fields, are now charged with implementing the National Youth Policy 2021.
“And I very much look forward to their work over the coming months.
“The Working Group have already started meeting and have commenced their discussions regarding the implementation of eight Policy goals.
“As a reminder those goals are:
- 1. Keep young people safe and protected from harm;
- 2. Achieve full potential in learning, development and education;
- 3. Minimize anti-social behaviour;
- 4. Increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities;
- 5. Engage youth in sport, culture and recreation;
- 6. Support young people to be active and healthy;
- 7. Enable participation in civic engagement; and
- 8. Encourage diversity and inclusion.
“This Government believes that Bermuda’s future belongs to our young people, and we look forward to collaborating with those who serve on the Working Group so that we can all fulfil the vision and mission of the National Youth Policy.”
I would congratulate the instigation of this needed initiative, but I would question the make up of the group. All youths on the island are not Black and therefore there should be a mix of ethnic groups. Also I would like to see someone from the BPS included in initiative.