10 March 2016
Students from five Jersey schools will take part in Jersey's Annual Youth Assembly in the States Chamber next week (Tuesday 15 March 2016).
The event, which is sponsored by the Jersey Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, is now in its 19th year. It will include debates on topics selected by the students as well as a Question Time, all of which will mirror as closely as possible a normal States meeting.
The event begins at 1.30 pm. with Question Time. Several Ministers and Assistant Ministers will be in the Chamber to answer questions from the students on a range of topics. These include:
- free bus travel for young people
- increased support for young people with mental health issues
- the impact of the EU referendum on Jersey.
The Chief Minister will answer questions without notice for 15 minutes.
The aim of the Jersey Youth Assembly is to promote a clear understanding of how the Island’s government works through hands-on participation in Jersey’s unique brand of parliamentary democracy.
Students will take their places in the seats normally occupied by the 49 elected members and will be given a forum to express their views and contribute to the formal political debate in the Island. As well as developing valuable skills, the Youth Assembly aims to encourage young people to take a more active role in the democratic process in future and to prove that they do have a part to play.
The Bailiff will formally open the event and chair the question period. Connétable Len Norman of St Clement will then preside over the Assembly and the Greffier of the States, Dr Mark Egan, will act as Clerk of the Assembly in the usual way.
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