Youths lack a voice in national affairs with representation on issues affecting them negligible but a group of young persons is aiming to change this and is lobbying for the establishment of a permanent National Youth Parliament.
Anthony Nestor, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Guyana National Advocate Youth Parliament (GNAYP) emphasized that the newly formed non-governmental organisation is non-political and non-religious and aims to allow today’s youth to have a voice in national affairs particularly as regards issues affecting them.
There has been a National Youth Parliament (NYP) in existence here but it has not met for several years and it has faced charges of being politically controlled. The Chairman of the NYP is Press Officer in the Office of the President Kwame McCoy.
President of the GNAYP Jael Headley described the sessions held by the NYP as “mock” pointing out that they breached all the rules of the World Youth Parliament (WYP) such as being political. She also noted that McCoy was above the cut-off age of 35.
Headley said the GNAYP has its own constitution in line with the WYP tenets and has received the support of the WYP but has to put everything in place to be formally recognised.
The President of the WYP is expected for the formal opening of the GNAYP office here soon.
While advocating for a permanent National Youth Parliament in line with WYP tenets, the GNAYP also plans to lobby for a youth representative in the National Assembly as well as tackle youth issues. “The mission of GNAYP is to provide a platform for today’s youth to collaborate in unity empowering them to participate in leadership and to increase the realization of the promises of a generation of youths that are responsible, respectful, reliable and accountable,” said a statement provided.
Nestor said they hope to receive the support of all. He pointed out that this is an election year and 62% of the electorate falls within the 18 to 35 years age range. “We hope and we would like them to know… that we too would like a voice in parliament,” he said.
The group has been reaching out to persons who have indicated their interest in joining but it was emphasized that the organisation is non-political. “No member of the organisation will lobby anyone to vote for any political party,” Nestor said adding that they will, however, encourage young people to register to vote as is their right.
It was pointed out that there are several issues of primary importance to youths and these include the lack of security, jobs, poor educational facilities, the lack of a voice and representation as well as lack of information. Strategies are also being formulated to attract youths. “In formulating this strategy we take cognizance of the indifference that today’s youths have adapted to the political process, to current affairs, and their contribution or lack thereof to national affairs and information,” said Nestor.
In dealing with some of the issues, in relation to security, the group plans to advocate for better security mechanisms; more visibility and efficiency of the joint forces, re-structuring of the cadet force and the re-introduction of the Guyana National Service.
In terms of jobs, a programme of engaging youths in productive employment, in reformative, rehabilitative and interactive development
activities as well as engaging employers to host job fairs and create a on the job training programme, is envisioned.
The GNAYP has planned several activities which will be run-off soon. Among these is an essay competition on the topic, ‘Why should the newly elected government pass a bill for a permanent Guyana National Youth Parliament’; and a debate on the One Laptop Per Family Programme. The group is seeking to partner with all youth groups and organizations of “like cause” and to have other organizations adopt the tenets of GNAYP as their mantle as they go about their businesses.
Persons between 18-35 years are eligible to join the organisation.
Member Lisa Punch explained that she joined the organisation, having personally experienced what youths go through when applying for jobs. She said when she applied for jobs upon leaving school, where she excelled, she was told that she had to have experience.
“How can someone gain experience when they are not being hired?” she asked.
Other members of the Executive Committee of the GYAYP include Vice-President, George Persaud, Secretary, Tacoma Alexis, and Public Relations Officer, Tomika Chase.
Nestor is also the WYP representative for the Caribbean.
The members said they plan to lobby until their requests are granted and are prepared to face all obstacles. “We would advocate until it’s done,” said Nestor.
