Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has called for legislation and policies geared at increasing youth involvement in decision-making processes to shape the future of the country.
Making his contribution in the House of Assembly earlier this week, Minister Morris emphasized the vital role of young people in nation building and urged his colleagues to support his call to provide them with a more prominent role.
“As parliamentarians, it is our duty to create legislation that not only addresses the pressing issues of today but also paves the way for a better tomorrow,” he pleaded. “The youth are deeply concerned about climate change, social justice, economic opportunities, and technology's impact on our society. We must craft policies that reflect these concerns and provide avenues for youth-driven solutions.”
Minister Morris stressed that the youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are also crucial stakeholders today. He emphasized that their active participation in parliamentary affairs is not a choice but a necessity to ensure a vibrant and dynamic democracy that genuinely represents the aspirations of all citizens.
“The youth are not just the future, they are an integral part of our present. Their energy, ideas, and idealism are assets that our parliament must harness for the greater good of our nation. Let us commit ourselves to creating a parliament that welcomes and empowers the youth, for they hold the keys to a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future,” the Home Affairs Minister stressed.
The Minister highlighted the importance of actively seeking out and valuing the voices of young people in decision-making processes. He underlined the need to create an environment where young individuals are encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, thus bridging the generation gap and gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges.
“Our parliament should be a place where the voices of the youth are not just heard but actively sought out and valued. Their experiences, ideas, and concerns must be given due consideration in the decision-making process.
“We must create an environment where young parliamentarians are encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, bridging the generation gap and fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges, the minister said.
Morris underscored the pivotal role of educational institutions in nurturing informed and responsible citizens. He stressed the need to instil values such as civic engagement, critical thinking, and a profound sense of responsibility in young individuals, empowering them to actively participate in the political process.
Inclusivity was also identified as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy by the Minister. He called for diligent efforts to ensure that youth from all backgrounds, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or ethnicity, have equal opportunities to engage in politics. Mentorship programs, internships, and educational outreach initiatives were proposed as means to encourage young talent to enter public service.
“We must work diligently to ensure that the youth from all backgrounds, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or ethnicity, have equal opportunities to engage in politics. Mentorship programs, internships, and educational outreach initiatives can play a crucial role in encouraging young talent to step into the realm of public service,” he continued.
Minister Morris shared the view that as parliamentarians, it is their duty to create legislation that not only addresses the pressing issues of today but also paves the way for a better tomorrow. He acknowledged that the youth are deeply concerned about issues such as climate change, social justice, economic opportunities, and the impact of technology on society. Crafting policies that reflect these concerns and providing avenues for youth-driven solutions were advocated.
He said the political landscaped is needed that welcomes and empowers the youth, acknowledging their pivotal role in building a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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