Youth Mock Sitting Highlights Blue Economy During
Nineteen students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the Territory took part in a Youth Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly on Thursday, 19 February, debating the theme “Securing Our Seas, Sustaining Our Future: Why The Virgin Islands Must Be Supported to Fully Develop a Blue Economy.” The event formed part of the official programme for UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s visit (16–20 February) and included detailed student roles, ministerial remarks, and a luncheon where Sir Lindsay received local books, according to the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Nineteen students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the Virgin Islands took centre stage at a Youth Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly on Thursday, 19 February, engaging in a structured parliamentary debate on issues central to the Territory’s marine economy. The exercise was held in the House of Assembly chamber and formed part of the official programme for the visit of Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, who was in the Territory during the week of 16–20 February, the Government of the Virgin Islands said.
Under the theme “Securing Our Seas, Sustaining Our Future: Why The Virgin Islands Must Be Supported to Fully Develop a Blue Economy,” participants examined economic growth and youth employment, environmental protection and climate resilience, food security and sustainable fisheries, marine innovation and education, and global responsibility.
Students represented a mix of public and private schools across Tortola and the sister islands, including Elmore Stoutt High School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Cedar International School, Ciboney Centre for Excellence and H.
In her opening remarks, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, urged youth participation in national development and democratic discourse. She described the blue economy as “not just about water, but about possibility,” and emphasised that education must serve as the compass guiding young people toward leadership in sustainability, innovation and prosperity.
Minister de Castro also stressed that meaningful partnerships and shared responsibility are essential for the Territory to realise the potential of its marine resources, the Ministry said. Students assumed parliamentary roles and delivered well-researched contributions that demonstrated confidence, critical thinking and an appreciation of how environmental stewardship and economic opportunity are linked to long-term resilience.
Participants and their assigned roles included: Roman Alberto Nibbs (Elmore Stoutt High School) as Speaker; Carey-Ann McKie (Bregado Flax) as Deputy Speaker and First District Representative; D’Aunte Williams (H. Lavity Stoutt Community College) as Premier and Minister of Finance; Kimoyah Smith (Claudia Creque) as Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change; Zivieh Abraham (Elmore Stoutt) as Minister for Communications and Works; Malachi Thomas (BVI Seventh-day Adventist School) as Minister for Health and Social Development; J’Seanna Barnes (Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies) as Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports; Eleazer Brooks (Bregado Flax); Caleb Stoutt (Elmore Stoutt) as Leader of the Opposition; Kellycian Paul (Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies) as Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development; Eva Fox (Ciboney) as Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism; Kiarah Daniel (Elmore Stoutt) and Kaylin Adams (H.
Lavity Stoutt) as Territorial At-Large Members; and other representatives including Kassidy George, Malia Choucoutou, Keandre Matthew, Carol Hodge, Chaundre Liburd, Israel George and Eleazer Brooks, the Government release listed. In closing, Sir Lindsay Hoyle commended the students for the quality of their debate, describing it as “one of the finest debates he had heard in a long time,” and encouraged them to consider careers in public service.
Member of the Opposition Honourable Mitch Turnbull also commended the participants for their engagement and discipline. A luncheon hosted in honour of Sir Lindsay followed the sitting. Minister de Castro reiterated the importance of elevating youth voices and noted young people’s ability to shatter glass ceilings.
Sir Lindsay was presented with a collection of local books — Pass It On by Jennie Wheatley; The Irma Diaries by Angela Burnett; Dusk to Dawn by Hugo Vanterpool; and The Virgin Islands Dictionary by Kareem-Nelson Hull — and members of his delegation received copies of The Virgin Islands Dictionary, the Government said.
Guests also enjoyed a musical selection by Briana Thomas and a member of the Virgin Islands All Stars, previewing the United Jazz Foundation BVI Fundraiser Concert scheduled for 20 February. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports said the sitting provided a practical platform for students to apply classroom learning to real-world governance challenges and reaffirmed its commitment to youth leadership, civic engagement and informed participation in the Territory’s democratic life.
Primary source: BVI Government