National Youth Parliament in Dominica
The National Youth Parliament in Dominica offers a structured platform for young people to engage with civic processes and develop into leadership roles. Spearheaded by the Youth Development Division under the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development, in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Dominica, it offers participants the opportunity to explore parliamentary practices and express their views on national affairs.
Origins and Objectives
The idea of establishing a Youth Parliament in Dominica emerged from the need to strengthen youth inclusion in democratic governance and decision-making processes. First piloted in the early 2000s, it gained more structure in the 2010s, especially as part of regional efforts promoted by organizations such as the Commonwealth Youth Programme and CARICOM Youth Ambassadors.
The National Youth Parliament’s goals include:
- Providing a formal space for youth to express their views on national development.
- Enhancing knowledge of the parliamentary system, including standing orders, legislative procedures, and the structure of government.
- Developing leadership, research, and advocacy skills among youth.
- Encouraging respectful dialogue and fostering political tolerance from an early age.
Format and Functioning
Participants in the Youth Parliament typically range from ages 16 to 35 and are selected through schools, youth organizations, and community councils. Each participant is assigned a role, such as Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, Opposition Leader, Cabinet Minister, or Backbencher, to reflect the structure of Dominica’s actual House of Assembly.
Sessions are conducted in the House of Assembly Chamber in Roseau, often under the patronage of the Speaker of the House or the President of Dominica. Participants are guided by experienced facilitators and may receive training in parliamentary procedure prior to sitting.
Debates usually revolve around real and pressing issues, including climate resilience, education reform, unemployment, youth crime, and constitutional matters. Participants are expected to research and prepare arguments that reflect both personal insights and community concerns.
Notable Contributions and Events
The Youth Parliament has been instrumental in producing engaged citizens who later transition into leadership roles. Former youth parliamentarians have gone on to become civil servants, lawyers, elected officials, and influential advocates within Dominica and across the Caribbean. The forum also prepares youth to contribute meaningfully to consultations, such as those on electoral reform or national development plans.
Over the years, sessions have addressed topics such as:
- Mental health and psychosocial support for young people
- Environmental sustainability and eco-tourism
- The role of youth in democracy and political participation
- Violence in schools and youth justice reform
During CARICOM Youth Month and Commonwealth Day, special Youth Parliament sessions are held to align with regional celebrations and themes.
The Youth Development Division collaborates with schools, district youth officers, and civic education teachers to identify and train promising candidates. Workshops in research, ethics, gender equality, and effective communication are offered ahead of the debates.
Future Prospects
Calls have been made for institutionalizing the Youth Parliament as a permanent part of the Dominican democratic education system. Recommendations include:
- Integrating sessions into the school curriculum
- Expanding constituency-level debates
- Live broadcasting debates to increase public awareness
- Creating linkages between youth debates and actual legislation through policy briefs
As Dominica moves toward greater youth inclusion in governance, the National Youth Parliament is expected to evolve into a more robust platform. With growing political awareness among young Dominicans and increasing emphasis on climate resilience, digital innovation, and cultural preservation, the Youth Parliament could become a pipeline for national leadership and civic renewal.