The PLP issued a statement highlighting some of its youth programs.
A spokesperson said: “Young people are the architects of tomorrow. We believe our two most important objectives are to protect our vulnerable people and to continue to progress towards a better, fairer future for future generations.
“For us this means:
- Providing our children with an education that will enable them to compete for jobs, opportunities, and leadership in their country.
- Protecting our children from those who prey on or exploit them.
- Teaching your children the path to stay away from gangs, violence and anti-social behaviour.
“To achieve these objectives, we have launched a number of initiatives aimed at supporting their growth and success.
- OBA cuts to scholarships, grants, training and education were rolled back, allowing greater access to technical training, higher education and skills training for our young people who had the desire but not the means.
- The Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative was established through BEDC to help young people develop the framework to work for themselves as business owners.
- The first signature schools were launched at Cedarbridge Academy and Berkeley Institute.
- Made the law stricter against luring and sexually exploiting our children.
- Supported the Gang Reduction Task Force and the MIRRORS program to intervene in disputes among our youth and provide alternatives to gangs and other antisocial behavior.
- Youth Community Action Program: Encouraging active community involvement, this program inspires youth to participate in social action projects that address local challenges and contribute to positive social change. It emphasizes the development of personal character through service to others.
“To further strengthen our vision for our youth and the future, we have also:
- More avenues and financing were made available for first-time home purchases.
- Bringing more affordable housing units to the market, and planning to build more in the coming years.
- For the first time, a minimum wage was introduced in Bermuda, ensuring that even our lowest paid workers receive a minimum wage. [traditionally our youth and seniors] Get a fair wage for a fair day’s work.
“The results of this work are showing, but we know that making continued progress for our young people is a task that can and should never end. That is why we will soon be launching our National Youth Council, which will give the voice of our young people an opportunity to advise and inspire our Government, while also making it better informed about the particular needs and interests of our young Bermudians.
“We look forward to continuing to talk together, work together, and do everything we can to make steady progress for our young people.”
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