Good afternoon, Minister, Madam Chair, our new Working Group members, Senior Youth Development Officer, Nadine Henry and members of the media.
In the Government’s 2020 Election Platform as well as our 2021 Throne Speech we committed to the establishment of the National Youth Policy aimed at fostering direct engagement with our youth in the development of government policies.
Programmes serve our youth will be reviewed for effective delivery and revised as necessary to ensure that we continue to inspire a generation of informed and independent thinkers. The implementation of the National Youth Policy and the establishment of this Working Group demonstrates that the Government values and respects the contributions young Bermudians make to our society.
Investing in Bermuda’s youth is an investment in the future of Bermuda. Young people need to be engaged, encouraged and empowered.
The Youth Policy Working Group that we are announcing today is made up of individuals who will do just that. Each of them brings to this Group a variety of experiences and skills, and all of them share a common commitment to improving the lives of young Bermudians. I am grateful to these 18 individuals who have answered an important call to serve and see through the essential initiatives and goals within the National Youth Policy.
I thank the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets, his Ministry team, as well as the team at the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation for their hard work in bringing this Working Group together.
I also thank them for their commitment to the success of the National Youth Policy and their commitment to the youth of Bermuda. Finally, thank you to our new Youth Policy Working Group Chair Ariana Caines and all of the members who are devoting their time to embark on work that undoubtedly has a positive impact on the young people of today and in the years to come. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.
Thank you.