Ministers Listen To Youth Voices At Town Hall
Recently as part of the 2026 National 18+ Youth Conference, Power in Participation: Youth Shaping Bermuda’s Future, young people from Bermuda engaged directly with Government Ministers during the “Ask the Leader” Town Hall, hosted by the Office of Youth Affairs.
A Government spokesperson said, “Participants raised questions on youth representation, workforce development, affordability, education reform, and Bermuda’s relationship with the Caribbean.
“The panel featured the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP; the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP; the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP; and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP.
“For Minister Lightbourne, she took the opportunity to highlight the Ministry of Home Affairs’ commitment to inclusive and accessible policymaking, noting that feedback received during development of the National Electricity Sector Policy reinforced the importance of presenting technical policies in youth-friendly formats.”
On public engagement and affordability, Minister Lightbourne said, “When we craft policy, it is important that people can see themselves reflected in it. Whether they’re young, older, directly impacted, or indirectly affected, their perspectives matter because they are the ones who will inherit the decisions made today.”
She also underscored the importance of building Bermudian expertise to support the island’s energy transition noting, “If we successfully transition our energy sector but do not have the people needed to deliver and sustain it, then we have missed an opportunity. We must build capacity alongside policy.”
The discussion also explored Bermuda’s engagement with the Caribbean Community [CARICOM]. Minister Lightbourne stated, “Good policy requires more than ideas. It requires structures, accountability, and continuity. Our focus is ensuring that the frameworks we create today can continue delivering benefits for Bermudians well into the future.”
A Government spokesperson added, “Minister Lightbourne thanked her Ministerial colleagues as well and especially the Office of Youth Affairs for hosting the event, describing the Town Hall as an important demonstration of the Government’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, and empowering the next generation of young people.”
