Bunting wants more youth in politics

Peter Bunting, the former minister of national security, wants young adults to become more involved in politics in an attempt to modernise the political scene.

Bunting - during an interview with The Gleaner - said that the youth in Jamaica have grown increasingly unattached from politics as in recent times, there has been a decrease in youth involvement in voting proceedings.

He said that from data available, 55 per cent of the 18-24 age group did not participate in the 2016 election

Bunting said it was also interesting that the age group of non-voters was the same age group with the highest crime rate in the nation.

Bunting, who has now decided that he will be seeking to become president of the People's National Party (PNP), believes that the youth of today need positive political influences as he had former PNP leader the late Michael Manley.

According to Bunting, he was inspired by Manley to enter politics, as were many others.

He said today's young leaders should be inspired by the current political leaders to enter politics and make a meaningful contribution.

Bunting named young political representatives such as Damion Crawford, Dr Dayton Campbell, and Raymond Pryce as young professional leaders who can inspire youth to believe that they can achieve high office in politics. Crawford is known for his engagement with young people and served as an educator.

Peter Bunting believes if more leaders inspired the youth, it might spark an interest in and turn some towards the field of politics, and consequently, away from crime.