News

Twenty-two participants in the 14^th Commonwealth Parliament Association Youth Parliament are hard at work prepping for this year’s event on Commonwealth Day, 8 March 2021. They are looking forward to taking over the House of Parliament for the day, as are all in the Cayman Islands.

The event will take place in the House of Parliament, as has been happening since Youth Parliaments began in 2006.

This prestigious event and a unique learning experience for local youth marks Commonwealth Day celebrations in the Cayman Islands annually and is promoted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association through its Cayman Islands Branch comprising all current and past MPs, supported by the Clerk of the Parliament and her staff.

The Clerk, Mrs. Zena Merren-Chin revealed that once again local law firm Harneys has generously stepped up to the plate as the sole sponsor and provided funds for conducting the event. This is the firm’s fourth consecutive sponsorship.

Mr. Nick Hoffman, Managing Partner of the Cayman office said: “Harneys are thrilled to cement their continued involvement with the Youth Parliament programme. It is always a pleasure meeting the bright young students who take part - we wish them every success for the future.”

He added, “The programme is aimed at students between 14 to 25 years of age, from both government and private high schools, as well as the colleges. Participants gain insight into parliament and learn public speaking skills while associating with peers from other schools.

“By providing them with a platform to voice their opinions, they have an opportunity to debate on topics that affect their lives. By supporting this important endeavour, Harneys helps provide the resources required to ensure a successful programme for the participating young future leaders in the local community.”

The nine male and 13 female participants this year represent nine higher education institutions in the Cayman Islands on both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac: E. Layman Scott High School, Cayman Brac; Clifton Hunter and John Gray high schools, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Triple C School, Cayman International School, Cayman Prep and High School, Hope Academy and the University College of the Cayman Islands.

The majority of the students are newcomers to Youth Parliament. Apart from learning from their own participation, they will also gain from the valuable experience and guidance from four peers among them who have previously participated in Youth Parliaments between two and four years. The group this year also includes three Proud of Them recipients.

Starting on 6 October 2020, the youth have met at the Parliament building on Tuesday afternoons and now Saturdays since 6 February 2021, for which the two Brac participants flew over to attend.

They have been preparing under the guidance of the Clerk of Parliament, Mrs. Zena Merren-Chin and have also received lectures and training sessions on various parliamentary topics from Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Arden McLean, MP Mr. Kenneth Bryan, past Leader of Government Business, Hon. Kurt Tibbetts as well as Ms Cheryl Neblett and Ms Kimberley Superville from the Legal Drafting Department. Additionally, they were assisted in the selection with information on their topics for debate by Minister Hon. Joey Hew and Mr. James Whittaker.

Also, in regular attendance to assist the youth in their meetings are Deputy Speaker, Hon. Barbara Conolly and MP Mr. David Wight, both Organising Committee members.

The participants have determined their moots for debate and are now working on their debate contributions either as government or opposition bench members in two Private Member’s Motions they have decided upon for this year. In the process, they also continue to learn about Parliament’s set up and how it works, how it governs itself and conducts the people’s business.

The participants also visited the Government Administration Building and met with the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin and Minister for Health, Environment, Culture and Housing, Hon. Dwayne Seymour to get a better understanding of governance as well as how Government is set up and works.

Commented Clerk of the Parliament, Mrs. Merren-Chin: “Youth Parliament gives our participants an insight into how Parliament works and the vital role it plays in any democracy. They get a clearer understanding and better knowledge about governance, law-making and the separation of powers that is involved in the workings of democracy.”

She added, “It is always a pleasure to welcome young people into the House and watch them blossom. Our past participants are among the top achievers in the Cayman Islands or are studying to become highly qualified professionals.”

Taking part this year are:

1. Jamar Mccoy – Layman E. Scott High School (Cayman Brac)
2. Keira Bodden - Layman E. Scott High School (Cayman Brac)
3. Jerry Allen-Ezequie l- Clifton Hunter High School
4. Leanna Allen - Clifton Hunter High School
5. Sherika McPherson - Clifton Hunter High School
6. Ryan Frick - John Gray High School
7. Jelani Hanson - John Gray High School
8. Sheala Reid - John Gray High School
9. Shamara Lewis - John Gray High School
10. Ciara Chong - John Gray High School
11. Shira Dawkins - John Gray High School
12. Arianna Anglin - St. Ignatius Catholic School
13. Shankar Paulraj - St. Ignatius Catholic School
14. Johnnie Lund - St. Ignatius Catholic School
15. Matthew Haughton - Triple C School
16. Andrew Mclaughlin Jr.- Triple C School
17. Sarah Sato Bodden - Triple C School
18. Oriela Dzaghgouni - Cayman International School
19. Allison Flores - Cayman Prep and High School
20. Maya Roye - Cayman Prep and High School
21. Reon Porter - University College of the Cayman Islands
22. Leah Robinson - University College of the Cayman Islands.

Previous participants are Reon Porter – 4 years, Leah Robinson – 3 years, Allison Flores and Sherika McPherson – 2 years each. Additionally, Leah Robinson, Allison Flores and Jelani Hanson are Proud of Them recipients.