Youth Parliament praised for high standards

The National Youth Parliament of Jamaica (NYPJ) has come in for high praises from Speaker of the House of Representatives Pearnel Charles and Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson, with the former expressing a desire for their "very high standard" to be adopted by parliamentarians.

"If you look at their code of dress, their behaviour and respect to one another in Parliament, it was a standard that I praise and wish that this Parliament had," declared Charles, who has held the position of Speaker of the House since March 2016.

"I had to ask them if they had ever been there before and they said no, this is their first time. I understand that they were briefed and I don't know if they had practised, but trust me. It was a very high standard, excellent behaviour, a good mirror of politics. I never saw one of them on a cell phone; they were interested throughout. I definitely think that the parliamentarians, if they were watching, could learn something about their discipline, their code of dress and their attention to the presentation of others," Charles added.

While also lauding the youth members of parliament (YMP) for the depth of their submissions and the conviction with which they were delivered, Charles disagreed with the proposal to retire members of parliament and senators at 75 years old.

"I would want to know if they also want to retire the private-sector guys, because they are also a major part of the country's development," Charles argued. "We're supposed to retire people according to ability and health. For example, I'm 82 years old and some of the 30 years old can't run the 100 yards with me. I exercise for one hour and 20 minutes Monday to Friday. I get up at 5 o'clock, have breakfast at 5:30, and I'm on the court at five minutes to six and leave there at 7:15," he intimated.

Senate President Tavares-Finson also told The Gleaner that he was quite impressed by all the submissions and the conduct of the YMPs.

"I hope that the decision-makers have taken note of some of the suggestions which may find favuor," he said.

"They obviously have watched Parliament for some time, because they struck me as being very interested and engaged in the process, and that's always very encouraging to see. I would love for them to experience a debate in the Senate. So, they have an open invitation to come to the Senate anytime it is meeting, as my special guests," he added.

The Youth Parliament is hosted as part of the activities for National Youth Month in Jamaica.