An “evolving blueprint” for Bermuda’s culture, and a podium for young people to have more say in government policy, are planned for the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports in the year ahead.

Ernest Peets spoke on the Throne Speech plans laid out on November 6 for the coming parliamentary session.

Dr Peets, a certified family therapist, was also announced on the day before the Throne Speech as the Government Leader in the Senate.

He pledged the creation of a National Youth Policy, along with the development of a National Cultural Heritage Policy.

Dr Peets said the “extraordinary” social action and mobilisation this year on the part of Bermuda’s youth had not been lost “on this Government or this ministry”.

“Bermuda’s future must be built by those to whom it most belongs,” he said.

Dr Peets said the National Cultural Heritage Policy would “embrace and celebrate one history and a shared cultural identity”.

He said it would take “significant community engagement”, including cultural groups and artists, covering the promotion of the arts and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He added: “The pandemic has made this an unusual year for all of us.

“Fort the first time in our history, we’ve had to engage and to connect in ways that are at times unfamiliar to us.

As such, we’ve had to make adjustments – but it’s during this time of uncertainty that our cultural and national pride has shone through.“