After taking on the role of parliamentarians for just about 4 days, 40 secondary
Best Speaker Sherlyn Semple
school students from nine administrative regions took to the highest house in the nation to debate their views on pressing matters of national interest.
The sitting of the 3rd annual Youth Parliament culminated on a high note on Thursday as young enthusiasts assumed the responsibilities of policymakers, questioning the decision and presenting recommendations towards the resolution of four significant issues, currently at the forefront of politics in Guyana.
The topics deliberated this year included the proposed cap on CSEC subjects, prevention of suicide, Guyana/Venezuela boarder controversy as well as the construction of a local oil refinery as Guyana tries to establish itself as a major oil and gas hub.
Following wearisome preparations and dedication to their debates, the youths buried their apprehensions as they boldly took the stance, one after the other. The debate kicked off with heated presentations from both the delegated Opposition and Government with regard to the capping on CSEC subjects.
The opposing team posited that students needed to be consulted before a
Best Debater Tyriq Scott
decision can be made to limit the number of subjects they are allowed to write. They further lambasted the government for producing no substantial data to support the need to implement this policy especially since the decision would infringe upon the rights of youth.
“How can you make the decision about someone’s welfare and not involve them in the decision making process?” the designated Opposition Leader questioned in the House.
She further sought to solidify her argument by asserting that if the Government is free to impose upon the rights of Youth, then nothing is stopping the real criminals – such as rapists and traffickers – from acting in like manner.
In response, the designated Prime Minister, in her presentation, justified the proposal of the policy indicating that several valid reasons were available – including claims that children who partake in writing too many subjects at CSEC are faced with great discomfort contributing to mental illness.
She told the proxy National Assembly that placing a cap on the subjects would allow more time for extra- curricular activities and not hinder the development of much need necessary social skills.
However, much to the obvious displeasure of the designated Opposition, she posited that there was no need to consult or more specifically “burden” young people with the responsibility of making such a significant decision since they are “not allowed to vote” nor do they possess the maturity to comprehend the process.
As the debates took an even more intricate turn, the Opposition brought their arguments on the topic of suicide to the table.
Questions were posed to the Governing side of the house as to why – when the leading cause of death in Guyana is suicide – there is only one mental health facility in the country, especially given that it has been out of commission for several years.
Furthermore, it was probed as to why only six psychiatrists were available at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
They also slammed Government for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy plan which was implemented under this very administration and has only been able to accomplish a quarter of its objectives.
As such, they called on the relevant authorities to heighten their approach towards the prevention of suicide in Guyana while re-enforcing the topic of Health and Family Life in the education sector.
Meanwhile, Government maintained that efforts are already in place in collaboration with Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and as such, statistics have shown an almost 50% decrease in the country’s suicide rate in Guyana today, compared to the past years.
Again, she firmly asserted that current measures undertaken to aid in suicide prevention throughout the nation have proven to be effective.
Meanwhile, the debate then shifted to the longstanding border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, to which both party echo similar sentiments.
The delegated Opposition commenced by highlighting that this is a matter of national concern and should not be hindered by partisan opposition. On that note, the Leader of the Opposition pointed out, “We should all be united in defending every square feet that belongs to Guyana.”
She went on to say that the area being claimed by Guyana’s neighbours to the North-West comprise of 85% of our natural resources and as a result the matter should not be taken lightly as it threatens the economy as well as national safety.
The opposing leader thereby urged the government to call on the United Nations to take up the matter with International Court of Justice.
Sharing the Opposition’s, the delegated Prime Minister underlined that this matter has been in existence ever since the 1830’s and therefore agreed with the Opposition that collaborative effort is needed to overcome this international threat. She indicated that they too are calling on the UN to address the issue.
The debate came to an end with a topic on the tongues of every Guyanese; talks of the budding oil and gas industry. The Opposition tabled the motion advocating for a local oil refinery to be established, asserting that this will create the capacity for more jobs, expertise and money – taking Guyana from being a “developing” country to a “developed” one.
They argued that a small refinery would be able to produce at least 100,000 barrels of oil, 75,000 of which can be used for exporting purposes.
Shadow Finance Minister encouraged the government to capitalise on training as “Guyana stands to profit more from the refinery of oil” which would enable them to be able to compete on the international market, and open up new sectors.
However, the Governing side of the House disagreed. They posited that an oil refinery – big or small – would not prove to be an effective investment, highlighting that Guyana was not financially stable, being in debt to China.
They argued that it took Trinidad and Tobago 55 years after their first drilling to build a refinery, and that this country “has time.”
The Government side quoted genius, Albert Einstien, stating “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” making reference to the failed rice industry.
Meanwhile, the government successfully debated the four motions during the Youth Parliament.
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, the chief judge of a panel of three judges which included Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar Hack and Dr. Valerie Leung, announced the winners but pointed out the decision was not unanimous.
A statement from the Department of Public Information noted that before announcing the winners, Minister Henry said she was impressed with the quality of the presentations by the 40 secondary school students.
“You all are winners in your own right and we noted that you displayed intelligence, confidence and communication skills,” Minister Henry said. (Ramona Luthi & Ashraf Dabie)
