Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Julian Willock said the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament is now poised with a cadre of promising youth following the completion of the final of three sessions to train nominees for the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP).

Speaker Honourable Willock in a statement said the nominees have been trained on all aspects of House of Assembly proceedings and will be engaged in research and other supporting roles.

He said, “At the end of their tenure, they should be fully versed in all functions of the House of Assembly as they are groomed by the 15 Members of the House of Assembly.”

The Speaker added, “I take this opportunity to wish them well and to extend my full support to what I consider a vital opportunity to shape future leaders.”

The topics listed on the final session held on June 15 included How to Dress for Success as a Parliamentarian by Ms. Zoe Walcott; The Constitution in Brief by Solicitor General, Mrs. Joann Williams-Roberts; The Standing Orders-Part II by Ms. Phyllis Evans, Clerk of the House of Assembly; and A Day in the Life of a Parliamentarian – The Do’s and Don’ts by Premier Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.

Other members of the House of Assembly were present and addressed questions from the new cohort of trainees who were chosen by all 13 members, the Speaker and the Director of Youth Affairs and Sports.

A resolution was passed during the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly for the appointment of a Special Select Committee to manage the youth parliament. The committee members are: Honourable Julian Willock (Chairman); Honourable Neville A. Smith; Honourable Kye M. Rymer; Honourable Sharie B. de Castro; Honourable Julian Fraser; Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull; Honourable Marlon A. Penn; and Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles.

 The official launch of the youth parliament is scheduled for June 30.  The youth parliamentarians are also expected to debate a topic recommended by the management committee of the youth parliament, where all debating and other skills learnt in the training will be put on display.

The Virgin Islands Youth Parliament is comprised of a cohort of 40 young people from all districts ranging from the ages of 18 to 35. The nominees are selected from other youth organisations, churches and nonprofit organisations.