National Mini Youth Conferences

Mr. Speaker,

It is with great pride that I rise this morning to share with you and my Honorable colleagues, an exciting new event, for the annual calendar of Bermuda’s young people, through The Office of Youth Affairs. On January 25th and 26th, 2024 students across Bermuda from primary, middle and senior school levels participated in the first National Mini Youth Conference entitled “Big Up Ya’Self” held at the Botanical Gardens.

Mr. Speaker,

The National Mini Youth Conference was a recommendation of the National Youth Policy Working Group, who function to operationalize the National Youth Policy, the Government’s five-year plan to develop and empower young people in Bermuda. The National Policy Working Group consists of young people from the ages of fourteen to thirty years who work alongside government departments to make recommendations based on the eight National Youth policy goals which are:

1. Keep young people safe from harm.
2. Achieve full potential in learning, development, and education.
3. Minimize anti-social behavior.
4. Increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
5. Engage youth in sports, culture, and recreation.
6. Support young people to be active and healthy.
7. Enable participation in civic engagement.
8. Encourage diversity and inclusion.

Mr. Speaker,

While the conference satisfied Goal 7 – enabling participation in civic engagement, the title of the conference was Big Up Ya’Self, which aligned with Goal 8 - Diversity and Inclusion thus providing opportunities for additional goals to be addressed. This was achieved by having students engage in sessions where they were able to explore who they are as individuals and find value in themselves, so they can advocate for themselves, while also respecting the individuality of others; as they make their way through a world where careers and the future are constantly changing.

Mr. Speaker,

With Diversity and Inclusion being the overarching theme of the day, staff in the Office of Youth Affairs took this to heart by inviting students from public and private schools to attend the conference. On the first day of the mini-conference, senior school students received a keynote speech presentation by the dynamic team of Spice and Fury. Mr. Speaker, Spice, Ms. Alexandria Williams and Fury, Mr. Jonari Smith are two young Bermudians who studied theatre and brought their unique skills back to Bermuda to energize the creative sector through music and positive messaging. They share their personal stories on transitions in their lives and send a message of respect for others while discovering the person you are becoming and laying the foundation for your career.

Mr. Speaker,

There were break-out room topics on unconscious biases and the way social media impacts how we see ourselves. This was presented by local actress, producer, and writer, Ms. Quincee Dill. Another breakout room topic ‘How to advocate for yourself in a world of ‘others’, was presented by Mr. Matthew Johnston, college lecturer and poet. Also, local artist Mr. Carlos Santana shared on the topic ‘transforming your passion into a career’.

Mr. Speaker,

These conversations are not light topics, but they are important ones reflecting the world that our young people currently live in. To ensure that all youth attending had support with any emotional or mental health needs, the team at Mayvera Wellness, led by Dr. Jana Outerbridge was on hand to debrief with participants after sessions, as well as provide a comfortable space for release through crafts and open, supportive conversation.

Mr. Speaker,

The second day of the conference was the largest of the event. Not only because there were more students than on the first day of the conference but because the day went longer. I will explain further after I give a brief description of the day’s events.

Mr. Speaker,

Primary and middle school students began the day with an energizing and exciting key presentation from Teacher Telle, Ms. Chantelle Weller, who crafted a bespoke story for the conference entitled "Gombey’s in Space”. This was a story of a young girl who wanted to be a gombey and in her journey to achieve her goal, she was able to learn about who she was and fall deeper in love with herself which fell right in line with the messaging of believing in who you are and going after your dreams, irrespective of where you come from.

Mr. Speaker,

Following this rousing presentation, break-out sessions were held by Bermuda’s second favorite cousin Mr. Fotogenik, (MP Derrick Burgess being the first), who participated in both days of the conference speaking to students on how to cultivate their unique voice and use it in positive ways on social media. Ms. Shana Hollis, Creative Director, designer, and multi-disciplinary artist, created a step-by-step guide for the students to explore graphic design elements while creating their own personal brand.

Mr. Speaker,

This is just a taste of what our students experienced at the conference. There were also many fun activities and games for them to partake in between sessions, and while the conference ended with a mini-concert by Bermuda’s own Fire Wayne, who had everyone on their feet, the day did not end there. To many a parent’s surprise and appreciation, following the end of the formal conference students were bused to one of our community centres for more fun activities and a pizza dinner until 9:00 pm.

Mr. Speaker,

During the two-day mini-youth conference, more than 160 young persons from public, private and even home schools were poured into. They were given information that provided new perspectives on the world they live in; viewpoints they can draw on to assist their future; and, insights to ensure a healthy relationship with themselves. These are experiences that we want for all our youth.

Mr. Speaker,

I stopped in during this two-day youth conference and although we are speaking about it as a mini-conference, it was definitely a large undertaking. Our students were greatly involved, and I believe gained a wealth of information and insight by attending. At this time, I want to thank all persons who worked diligently to provide an amazing event for Bermuda’s youth. In particular, I want to recognize the team in The Office of Youth Affairs for organizing the mini-conference, the Department of Parks for preparing the perfect venue at the Botanical Gardens, all the inspiring young speakers, and our community partners who provided awesome prizes and giveaways. I am looking forward to the conference Mr. Speaker, that will be hosted in July 2024 for our youth 18 years and older who also need to be inspired, encouraged, and poured into.