President Bharrat Jagdeo has said that in a few months’ time he would leave office, and this is the first time in the Caribbean that a sitting president will depart office not because of defeat, but by a constitutional amendment that he signed into law.
President Bharrat Jagdeo greets participants of this year’s National Youth Parliament
He said this shows the maturity of Guyana’s democracy, though he acknowledged that some people have mixed feelings about the law. “Whether it is good or it is bad, it shows, in my view – and I fully support this amendment – it shows the maturity of our democracy.
“In the past, this would have been unheard of, and in many countries people cling to office at all costs.
“Our democracy is maturing,” Jagdeo declared on Monday August 29 while addressing the opening session of this year’s National Youth Parliament at the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
He added that democracy is at work in Guyana, and young people have a voice that must be heard. “Whilst you can have economic growth in the absence of democracy, you cannot have an inclusive government.
“Inclusivity – it is absolutely unknown of [in undemocratic societies].” Jagdeo urged the youth parliamentarians to become integrally involved in the administration of the country, and be active in discussions aimed at transforming Guyana’s culture.
Expressing pride in the fact that, over the past 11 years, young people from all walks of life have participated in the Youth Parliament, President Jagdeo stated that it should not be a “One Stop Shop” for participants.
“You have a very important role to play – a demonstration effect role: how things could be done in a new Guyana – a Guyana that is modern, inclusive; that respects people, that shares opportunities with everyone.” The president said it is time the stereotype placed on young people comes to an end. “You are helping to break this stereotype that young people must be seen and not heard. For a very long time, there was this prevailing view that young people cannot make a contribution to society at every level: their forté would be sports and culture – if you want to talk about young people’s issues you have to organise a fete, or give them a football or cricket bat.
“We are breaking that stereotype. Young people in Guyana are demonstrating that they have views of their own, and those views are often views that are more relevant to the future.” Additionally, the makeup of Guyana’s Parliament, Jagdeo said, is a symbol of the zeal, energy and skills young people possess.
“Your work has been helping to bring down the stereotype through the quality of the debates in Youth Parliament, and its longevity and your willingness to lead. We are demonstrating that there is an increasing role for young people in our society at every level and that you have a major contribution to make in changing our country.
“Don’t let this be the last thing you do. You have a very important role to play in our country; we need young leaders who are bold that can take initiative and come forward like you are doing today. We need them to be visible, be role models for other young people, to take leadership positions in our society. You are helping to break stereotypes; you are helping to move the country forward. A country does not move forward only on economics – economics is very important, it allows us to develop a better standard of living, allows us to deliver better social services, but often it is about how people see themselves.” The youth parliamentarians were also urged to present their arguments in a civil manner that is characteristic of professional behaviour. “It is an important lesson for Guyana and for our parliamentarians, because often the debates there are not characterised by civility.” Guyana Youth Development Executive Director Kwame McCoy said he is extremely proud of the progress made over the years for youth. He noted that the initiative creates “an avenue through which our young people could express and share their views, ideas and opinions in a constructive manner, being able to offer suggestions and being able to come up with solutions themselves on how we could advance and deal with some of the issues affecting young people in our country.” He noted that the suggestions and thoughts proffered at the debates will be channelled to the level of government through the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry.
“The National Youth Parliament has been an important forum for our young people, allowing them a voice and opportunity… [it is] an indicator as to where we are as a country…” McCoy accepted that much more needs to be done to improve the National Youth Parliament, and guaranteed that the executive body will strive to ensure the standards of Youth Parliament are lifted.
This year’s Youth Parliament was held under the theme: “Government’s democratic framework is providing for a modern, inclusive society”. Following the official opening of the event, the participants deliberated and presented several arguments for and against motions and bills that concern Guyana’s democratic framework, unemployment, the influence of music on youth, and other developmental issues.
