Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in his address to the Youth Parliamentarians said, “Our tomorrow's definitely going to be better based on the seeds we’re planting today. And today is a good day when we can bring or young people into the parliament, not only getting them ready for leadership in just the political realm, but leadership overall.”

Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in his address to the Youth Parliamentarians said, 'Our tomorrow's definitely going to be better based on the seeds we’re planting today. And today is a good day when we can bring or young people into the parliament, not only getting them ready for leadership in just the political realm, but leadership overall.

Bring your views & ideas - Premier Fahie

He said leadership starts with persons who are going to be innovative while noting that innovation starts with an idea.

“And once you can develop your idea in a respectful and forthright manner, then the sky is not the limit anymore, the universe is where you have to aim for. So today is the day when you get to present your views about the topic at hand, I might add a very delicate topic, a very important topic but you bring your views, you bring your ideas,” Premier Fahie said.

Premier of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament Mr Kevin S. Fahie moved a motion to kick off the debate topic, which saw youth parliamentarians adding their voice to the topic, “Should the Virgin Islands move to self-determination?”

Ahead of the debate, Mr Fahie told VINO that the teams had been working diligently at preparing a well-researched and cohesive debate that will begin to engage the Virgin Islands Community in healthy discussions.

VIPY Opposition Leader Kevon S. Lettsome said given that now is a critical time in the Virgin Islands, the parliament is a huge milestone for not only youth Parliamentarians but youths in the Virgin Islands to have their voices heard.

The parliament mirrored the VI House of Assembly, where Angelique Lettsome served as speaker of the House.

New Youth Parliamentarians

Serving in the Second House is Speaker Angelique Lettsome; Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development Bria A. Smith, Minister for transportation, Works and Utilities Stephon D. Mactavious; Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dylan J. Penn; Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Anika Christopher, Junior Minister for trade and economic development Mia Lennard; Junior Minister for Tourism Yohance T. Smith; Deputy Speaker Kerry Wilson; and Sarai O. Smith as Attorney General.

On the Opposition side, the members are Akeya Herbert, Rushawn Johnson, Donyelle Hodge, and Shammah Tittle.

Alisma Wheatley and Joi-All Thomas served as House Clerk and Deputy House Clerk Respectively. Delani Fraser is Public Relations Officer/technician, and the four researchers were Brent Andrew, Rhohani Hypolite, Kyle Ricketts and Yadali Santos-Thomas.

More on the debates to come.

Premier of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament Mr Kelvin S. Fahie moved a motion to kick off the debate topic, which saw youth parliamentarians adding their voice to the topic, 'Should the Virgin Islands move to self-determination?'