A 14-member body representing Montserrat’s Youth Parliament were sworn in on Sunday, March 27 at the Cultural Centre.
With the usual pomp and circumstance of the official parliament, the Speaker of Legislative Assembly Charliena White presided over the ceremony until the new youth Speaker was sworn in.
White encouraged the youth parliamentarians to conduct themselves in a manner that will inspire their peers and those who will come behind them.
Shanique Hoyte, the new Speaker of Youth Parliament, said she hopes the youth body will contribute to the social and economic change of Montserrat. She also hoped it would lead more young people to lend their voice to political matters.
Youth Premier Claribel Figueroa said in her address that youth should have a voice and input in implementing policies of a country. “Giving voice to young people in big matters can make a big difference.”
Alana Kassie, Leader of the Youth Opposition in her remarks said her four-member-strong team were ready to keep the government in check. The 13-year-old MSS student then invited the public to “watch out for what is to come from the Montserrat Youth Parliament as they mean to do great things.”
The members of the Youth Parliament are:
Shanique Hoyte – Speaker of the House
Claribel Figueroa – Premier and Minister of Finance & Economic Management
St. Luke LeBlanc – Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment
Tyrese Herdsman – Deputy Speaker and Minister of Communications, Works, Labour & Energy
Marettha Greenaway – Minister of Health, Education, Youth Affairs & Sports
Jesumene Pierre – Parliamentary Secretary
Alana Kassie – Leader of the Opposition
Chrystal Archer – Member of Parliament
Hayley-Shai Kassie – Member of Parliament
Khayla West – Member of Parliament
Leela Louis – Member of Parliament
Rosanna Rasool – Member of Parliament
Mikayla Cole – Attorney General
Jaena Golden – Financial Secretary
Keirra Daley – Clerk
Watch the ceremony below:
