Premier Jennifer Smith yesterday announced that Government Sen. Patrice Parris and law student Sean Tucker will serve as chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively, of the National Youth Council. Last November the Premier revealed plans to assume responsibility for the National Youth Council which will: review Government policies and programmes that pertain to young people; promote the understanding and participation of young people in Governmental processes; create a coalition between Government Ministries, youth groups, and youth organisations; increase awareness of the National Youth Council as an active voice for the concerns of the youth; and promote programmes that assist young people to achieve their aspirations.

Thirteen young people have agreed to be on the Council. They are Erica Bean of Berkeley Institute, Nathan Samuels of Bermuda College, Stephanie Lewis of Bermuda High School for Girls, Patrica Ferguson of Bermuda Institute, Frederica Smith of CedarBridge Academy, KeeVon Wade of Mount St. Agnes Academy, Jonathan Herring of Saltus, Jonathan Suter of Warwick Academy, Nia Richardson of the Young People's Department of the AME Church, Christopher Pimental of Bermuda Youth Jazz Ensemble, winner of the 1998/99 National Junior Athlete Award for swimming Keira Aitkin and winner of equestrian award Nicholas DaCosta, and Alvin Forde of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.