A group set up by the Government to address problems faced by young people was unveiled yesterday.

The National Youth Policy Working Group was a 2020 Throne Speech pledge.

Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, said: “You will recall that when I launched the National Youth Policy last year, we committed to engaging and empowering our young people, whose future is most affected by society’s actions today.

“I also shared at the time that the National Youth Policy provides a unified approach to tackle issues faced by Bermuda’s youth and provide them with the support to have positive and productive futures.

“At its launch last year, we also committed to creating a working group with a broad and diverse membership that could represent the youth policy’s goals.”

Dr Peets added: “Our ex officio is Nadine Henry who is also one of the driving forces behind this initiative.

“We believe that we have selected a balanced and representative working group of highly skilled and committed individuals and I have tremendous confidence in what they will achieve with the National Youth Policy as its call to arms.

“These individuals, who hail from a range of professional fields, are now charged with implementing the National Youth Policy 2021 and I very much look forward to their work over the coming months.

“The working group has already started meeting and have commenced their discussions regarding the implementation of eight policy goals.”

The minister said that the goals were to keep young people safe and protected from harm; achieve full potential in learning, development and education; minimise antisocial behaviour; increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities; engage youth in sport, culture and recreation; support young people to be active and healthy; enable participation in civic engagement; and to encourage diversity and inclusion.

He added: “This government believes that Bermuda’s future belongs to our young people, and we look forward to collaborating with those who serve on the working group so that we can all fulfil the vision and mission of the National Youth Policy.”

The minister was joined by David Burt, the Premier, for the announcement at the Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre in Angle Street.

Mr Burt said: “Programmes that serve our youth will be reviewed for effective delivery and revised as necessary to ensure that we continue to inspire a generation of informed and independent thinkers.

“The implementation of the National Youth Policy and the establishment of this working group demonstrates that the Government values and respects the contributions young Bermudians make to our society.

“Investing in Bermuda’s youth is an investment in the future of Bermuda.

“Young people need to be engaged, encouraged and empowered.”

He added that the working group was made up of people who would "do just that“.

Mr Burt said: “Each of them brings to this group a variety of experiences and skills, and all of them share a common commitment to improving the lives of young Bermudians.

“I am grateful to these 18 individuals who have answered an important call to serve and see through the essential initiatives and goals within the National Youth Policy.”

The Premier thanked Dr Peets and his ministry, as well as the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation for setting up the group.

He added: “I also thank them for their commitment to the success of the National Youth Policy and their commitment to the youth of Bermuda.

“Finally, thank you to our new youth policy working group chair Ariana Caines and all of the members who are devoting their time to embark on work that undoubtedly has a positive impact on the young people of today and in the years to come.

“I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”