CARIBBEAN YOUTH VOICES: THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN THE COMMONWEALTH
THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN GUARANTEEING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY: CONNECTING CITIZENS, INNOVATING NEW IDEAS AND TRANSFORMING GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES IN THE COMMONWEALTH In a new series of articles from 'Caribbean Youth Voices', The Parliamentarian invites young people from the Region to share their views on a wide range of topics, starting with youth engagement. A common future is one in which all citizens have equal opportunity to be successful in society. In so doing, all citizens can assume responsibility for the development of their communities, countries and the Commonwealth. This future involves shrinking or removing the digital divide among young individuals, enabling us to receive quality education, and to remain connected and engaged in our respective communities. In the same vein, a common future can also be achieved by equipping citizens with the tools to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. In guaranteeing climate resilience, we can be empowered through employment and skills training in renewable energy sectors and associated infrastructural development. However, these are only possible if youth are actively involved in policy development and decision-making. Subsequently, national policies will be further geared towards youth empowerment and development, which will engender greater inclusivity in decisions of national importance. Society is dynamic, and a common future is not achieved instantaneously but only through consistent, incremental progress and change. Gradually, we can achieve what the term ‘common future’ implies: the prospect of every citizen being able to share
Rol-J Williams
is a four-time member of the Youth Parliament of the CPA Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region. He has a keen interest in Parliament and parliamentary practice and procedure, particularly in the Commonwealth Caribbean. He is currently conducting research in Biochemistry at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill and is an avid poet, writer, blogger and reader of history and politics. Email: roljwilliams@gmail.com.
in the fruits of progress and prosperity, as identified by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma. Connecting and amplifying the voices of our youth For strides to be made towards a beneficial future for everyone, all parties involved must have opportunities to access forums in which their voices can be heard and acknowledged, and their ideas fairly evaluated and implemented. This notion can be applied on a large scale between the governments of Commonwealth countries, or on a smaller scale at the societal level within a country. Connectivity of youth within Commonwealth countries and between countries is vital for progress to be realised. Youth, especially those belonging to minority and marginalised groups, are often underrepresented in governmental hierarchy. Therefore, having organisations with heavy youth involvement or that are youth-led and collaborative with, yet independent of, government institutions should be a high-priority. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) already has a history of partnering with many Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and governmental organisations alike. In this vein, deeper partnerships between the CPA and youth-led organisations such
Stephen Hunter II is a final-year
Meteorology student and a UWI Open Scholar at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. He plans to pursue postgraduate research in the wider field of atmospheric science where he hopes to embark on pertinent research related to the impact climate change has on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Email: stephenhunter17@yahoo.com
Heather Lakhram
is a first-year Biochemistry student at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. She is a Vincentian National Scholar having been awarded the Ebenezer Theodore Joshua Scholarship in 2021. She is passionate about advancing the cause of equity, diversity and inclusion and is an avid baker, reader and animal enthusiast. Email: heatherlakhram-12@hotmail.com.
With special thanks for the coordination of the series of articles in the Caribbean Youth Voices to Rashana Jones, Youth Representative for the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region on the Editorial Advisory Board for The Parliamentarian.
168 | The Parliamentarian | 2021: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing
