The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

SIXTY-four young Bahamians have taken their concerns about education, technology and youth representation to the House of Assembly, making the case for a greater role in decisions that will shape the country's future.

During a recent sitting of the 2026 National Youth Parliament, participants highlighted several priorities they believe should form part of the country's long-term development agenda, including the introduction of financial literacy into schools, the role of artificial intelligence in national development and greater opportunities for young people to influence decisions affecting their future.

The discussions formed part of National Youth Month activities and centred on a resolution concerning the proposed National Development Planning Institute, an institution intended to support long-term national planning, subject to the required legislative process.

The young parliamentarians stressed the importance of preparing students with practical knowledge and skills that will help them navigate an increasingly complex economic and technological environment.

Financial literacy emerged as one of the priorities raised, reflecting the need for young people to develop a stronger understanding of financial decision-making. Participants also considered how artificial intelligence could influence national development and the importance of ensuring Bahamian youth are prepared to participate in an evolving digital economy.

Beyond education and technology, the representatives called for greater youth involvement in national decision-making, including opportunities to serve on the proposed Planning Institute's Board and contribute directly to the development policies that will affect future generations.

Their concerns reflect findings in the Bahamas National Youth Policy, which reports that 83 per cent of young people surveyed in the 2024 National Youth Survey did not feel included when policies and laws were being made.

Director of the Division of Youth Sandena Neely said the engagement represented an opportunity to move beyond symbolic youth representation and give young people a meaningful role in decision-making.

“For so many years, young people said they wanted a seat at the table. And so this is now not just a seat at the table, but this is having an actual part in the decision-making processes,” said Ms Neely.

The engagement was facilitated through a partnership between the National Development Plan (NDP) Secretariat and the Division of Youth. The Secretariat provided a preparatory briefing to help participants understand the National Development Plan and the proposed institutional framework.

Executive Director of the NDP Secretariat Joseph Curry attended the sitting and commended the young parliamentarians for the depth of their contributions.

He assured participants that the National Youth Advisory Council would be included in consultations on all aspects of the National Development Plan, allowing young people to contribute their views and recommendations.

Youth Parliamentarian Reno Kelly welcomed the prospect of a national development framework that considers the needs of future generations.

“That’s what excites me the most because there will be a plan for the future,” said Mr Kelly.

Youth Ceremonial Governor-General Lana Bethel also called for greater opportunities for young Bahamians to exercise leadership.

“We must push our youth and we must encourage them and we must allow them to lead from the ground up,” she said.

Following the sitting, representatives of the National Youth Advisory Council expressed interest in further engagement with the Secretariat. Discussions are underway regarding a consultation session with the youth parliamentarians, whose two-year term provides an opportunity for continued dialogue.

The National Development Plan, Vision 2040, provides a long-term framework for The Bahamas across four pillars: Governance, Human Capital, Environment and Economy.

Through its Bahamas Forward public engagement initiative, the NDP Secretariat is working to encourage wider participation in national planning and ensure that perspectives from across the country, including those of young Bahamians, are considered as development priorities take shape.