The Government of Bermuda London Office confirmed today that a young person from Bermuda spoke to the necessity of cultivating opportunities on-island for young Bermudians in the first ever session of the UK Youth Parliament to feature the British Overseas Territories.
19 year old McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, Bermuda’s former Youth Premier, spoke to the House of Commons about the importance of Bermudians returning home after education overseas during a special sitting today, 4 November.
Ms. Tuckett was among eight young representatives of the British Overseas Territories invited to participate in the annual gathering by House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, facilitated by the Government of Bermuda London Office.
Fellow British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat and St Helena were also represented.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said it was ‘about time we heard from our friends in the extended part of our United Kingdom family – and the UK Youth Parliament event offered them the perfect platform.’
‘For too long I have felt the British Overseas Territories have been overlooked, yet so many of the decisions we make here in the UK have a huge impact on their futures,’ he said
'It was inspiring to hear about the issues that affect young people in the overseas territories and their experiences. I am sure we all learnt a lot from their contributions.’
Being at the sharp end of climate change, a lack of opportunity and a housing crisis were among topics the young representatives raised during the day-long sitting.
Ms Tuckett said: “It was an honour to represent Bermuda in the House of Commons and shed light on one of the significant issues affecting young Bermudians. It is remarkable that for the first time ever, the British Overseas Territories were invited by the Speaker, and given the opportunity to speak.“
More than 240 students representing every corner of the United Kingdom, took their places on the House of Commons to contribute to the annual UK Youth Parliament session.
The Hon. Dennis P. Lister, JP, MP Speaker of the House Of Assembly, in extending his congratulation to Ms. Tuckett, says that as a Member of Bermuda’s Youth Parliament she has always been a strong voice for the youth of Bermuda and extremely passionate about the issues affecting them and their future. She did herself and indeed Bermuda proud and I am sure that all Bermudians share in the congratulations that have been offered. Albeit, this is at the international level, it is yet another Parliament first for Ms. Tuckett. At the Opening of Parliament in 2020 to mark 400th Anniversary of Bermuda’s Parliament, she along with fellow Youth Parliamentarian Mr. Nizae Douglas, addressed questions to the Premier, which is the first time that Members of Youth Parliament have been able to formally speak in Parliament.
Speaker Lister would also like to acknowledge UK Speaker Sir Lindsay for affording this opportunity to Youth Parliaments within the Overseas Territories, which is part of Sir Lindsay’s personal efforts to strengthen relationships with his Parliament and those of the Overseas Territories Parliaments.
Ms Kimberley Durrant, Director of the London Office and U.K. Representative said: ‘Ms Tuckett has proudly represented Bermuda in the Houses of Parliament at the highest esteem. We congratulate her achievements and will continue to stand and support her path throughout her studies in the U.K.’