Press Releases

Georgetown, Guyana – August 17, 2025 – The Parliament Office of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana proudly concluded the 10th Annual Youth Parliament under the theme “Our Generation, Our Voice: Inspire. Encourage. Impact”. This landmark edition marked a decade of consistent investment in youth development, civic education, and leadership cultivation through parliamentary engagement.

 

Held from August 12–16, 2025, the Youth Parliament engaged 92 young participants from across Guyana: 41 juniors selected by the Ministry of Education and 51 seniors drawn from tertiary institutions and the Speaker’s National Debating Competitions. After a week of rigorous virtual training and spirited in-person debates, participants gathered in the Chamber of the National Assembly for two days of sittings, culminating in a grand closing ceremony.

 

Honouring Excellence in Debate

 

As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing articulate and solution-driven young leaders, the Parliament Office awarded Best Speaker Awards to four outstanding participants:

   •          Junior Government: Ms. Aisha Mendonça   

 

   •          Junior Opposition: Mr. Jahvauntie Adams

 

   •          Senior Government: Ms. Kadia Gilkes

 

   •          Senior Opposition: Ms. Chanecia Larose

 

A Decade of Voices: Recognising Past Excellence

 

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the programme, the Parliament Office paid tribute to the Best Speakers from 2015 to 2024, excluding 2020 when the Youth Parliament was not convened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This historic acknowledgement highlights the evolving legacy of young voices that have passed through the Chamber and contributed to Guyana’s civic and leadership landscape.

 

Decennial Awards: A Tribute to Leadership, Innovation, and Service

 

To commemorate this milestone, ten special awards were presented to youth who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to the Youth Parliament and wider youth development across Guyana. Each award reflects a core value nurtured by the Parliament Office:

      1.         Youth Mentor Award – For a youth who has gone above and beyond to mentor and support other young people, helping them grow in their roles.

Awardee: Mr. Shaquawn Gill

 

      2.         Innovative Solutions Award – For developing creative or innovative solutions to challenges faced by the Youth Parliament community.

Awardee: Dr. Jamain Hatton

 

      3.         Collaboration & Teamwork Award – For excelling in teamwork and fostering unity to achieve shared goals.

Awardee: Ms. Britney Valladares

 

      4.         Community Impact Award – For significant contributions to community upliftment through youth work or volunteerism.

Awardee: Mr. Gavin Thomas

      5.         Advocacy Champion Award – For outstanding dedication to advocating for youth rights and social change.

Awardee: Mr. Nkosi Jupiter

      6.         Resilience & Perseverance Award – For overcoming personal adversity while continuing to lead and serve.

Awardee: Mr. Kristoff Shepperd

      7.         Commitment to Service Award – For unwavering dedication to public service within or beyond Youth Parliament.

Awardee: Ms. Attiya Griffith

      8.         Trailblazer Award – For boldly paving new paths in youth activism and inspiring others to follow.

Awardee: Ms. Tatiana Norton

      9.         Leadership Excellence Award – For exceptional leadership in organising and guiding youth initiatives.

Awardee: Mr. Sarfraz Yacoob

      10.       Legacy Award – For a long-standing, transformative contribution that has shaped Youth Parliament’s growth and inspired future generations.

 

Awardee: Mr. Stephon Gabriel – Honoured for a remarkable 10 years of service, beginning as a participant in 2015 and rising through the ranks to become Chief Mentor. His dedication, mentorship, and leadership have touched the lives of hundreds of young Guyanese and helped sustain the integrity, continuity, and impact of the Youth Parliament programme.

 

The Closing Ceremony was graced by Hon. Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Charles Ramson, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, members of the diplomatic corps, and former Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland O.R., C.C.H.

 

Speaker Nadir reflected on the evolution of the programme and further institutional strengthening under his own tenure, particularly with the creation of the Speaker’s Regional and National Youth Debating Competition, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. He emphasised the initiative’s importance in offering young people a national platform to deliberate on contemporary issues and strengthen democratic engagement.

 

Minister Charles Ramson also addressed the young leaders, urging them to remain actively engaged in national development and parliamentary life. He challenged both Government and Opposition members to work as “team players” and cautioned against letting ego stand in the way of national service.

 

Ms. Carlleta Charles, Coordinator of the Youth Parliament, expressed deep pride in the programme’s growth and the bonds formed among participants, whom she described as “family”. She noted its foundation under Hon. Raphael Trotman as the Commonwealth Youth Parliament and expansion under Hon. Dr. Barton Scotland as the Annual Youth Parliament, and further expansion under Hon. Manzoor Nadir. She noted that many former participants have gone on to become sterling contributors to society and affirmed her confidence in the future of Guyana’s youth.

 

Legacy Beyond the Chamber

 

Now in its tenth year, the Youth Parliament continues to be a flagship initiative of the Parliament Office, instilling parliamentary knowledge, fostering leadership, and amplifying youth voices. Its legacy is one of empowerment, education, and elevation, where young people are given the tools and the space to lead, advocate, and shape the Guyana of tomorrow.

END.