Madam President, the 2020 Throne Speech committed the Government to developing a National Youth Policy to support, empower and engage Bermuda’s youth.
Madam President, the development of the strategy included extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including youth representatives from a number of organizations. Today marks the launch of a Policy aimed at providing an overarching, high-level position outlining the goals that we wish to uphold as country with respect to our youth.
Madam President, the Policy is available to download at National Youth Policy 2021.pdf or by visiting www.youthpolicy.bm
Madam President, the vision of the Policy is:
“To develop and empower Bermuda’s youth.”
And its mission is:
“To form a unified approach to tackle issues faced by Bermuda’s young people and provide them with the support to have positive and productive futures.”
Together they set the direction of travel for the way the Government will approach our youth and foster their direct engagement in the issues that affect them.
Specifically, the policy outlines the policy goals and objectives we intend to pursued, alongside community, government and private partners to achieve an engaged and active youth whose voices are heard and will help mould the future of the country.
Madam President, the National Youth Policy sets out eight (8) specific goals for Bermuda’s young people:
1. Keep young people safe and protected from harm;
2. Achieve full potential in learning, development and education;
3. Minimize anti-social behaviour;
4. Increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities;
5. Engage youth in sport, culture and recreation;
6. Support young people to be active and healthy;
7. Enable participation in civic engagement; and
8. Encourage diversity and inclusion.
I hope you will agree that these goals, and the objectives outlined in the policy itself, cover the full breadth of issues that are fundamental to the continued development of Bermuda’s youth. And that achievement of these goals will ensure that we create a better future together.
Madame President the next step in this process is to establish a Working Group that will drive implementation and ensure activities take place to achieve the objectives and the goals of the policy.
The Working Group will be made up of organizations and individuals from across our community and government, who will have the authority and ability to take action and make the policy goals a reality.
The National Youth Policy Working Group will also be mandated to report annually on progress made.
Expressions of interest for participating inthe Working Group are being accepted now until 17th December athttps://forms.gov.bm/youth-policy-working-group. The final composition of the Working Group will be decided in February 2022 and the Group will commence construction of a detailed plan of actions and deliverables.
Madam President, Bermuda’s future belongs to our young people and we look forward to the Working Group’s progress and the fulfilment of the Policy vision and mission through implementation of these 8 goals.
Thank you, Madam President.