The National Youth Policy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas 2014 - 2021 “Engaging, Enabling and Empowering Our Youth” National Youth Policy Consultative Team 2014 & The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, Youth Division THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY of THE BAHAMAS ACRONYMS BNYC Bahamas National Youth Council BYPA Bahamas Youth Practitioners Association CARICOM Caribbean Community CYDAP CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan CHOGM Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CSOs Civil Society Organisations COMSEC Commonwealth Secretariat CYC Commonwealth Youth Council CYEC Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council CYP Commonwealth Youth Programme DOI Department of Immigration DOS Department of Sports DOY Division/Department of Youth DY Director of Youth ILO International Labour Organisation IMCYA Inter-Ministerial Committee on Youth Affairs MOE Ministry responsible for Education MOEH Ministry of Environment of Housing MOFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration MOF Ministry of Finance MOH Ministry of Health MNS Ministry of National Security MOLG Ministry of Local Government MOSSCD Ministry of Social Services and Community Development MOYSC Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture *MOYA Ministry responsible for Youth Affairs NIYD National Institute of Youth Development NYETF National Youth Endowment (Trust) Fund NYC National Youth Commission NGO Non Governmental Organisation NYAC National Youth Ambassadors Corps NYP National Youth Policy NYPT National Youth Policy Team NYSS National Youth Service Scheme OAG Office of The Attorney General (Department of Public Prosecution) OJ Office of The Judiciary OPM Office of The Prime Minister SAP Strategic Action Plan UN United Nations UNCRC United Nations Conventions on the Rights of The Child URCA Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority YDSs Youth Development Stakeholders YP Youth Parliament YPs Youth Parliamentarians 2 | Page Motto: “Engaging, Enabling and Empowering Our Youth” THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY of THE BAHAMAS TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD PREFACE MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY TEAM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Situation Analysis of The State of Bahamian Youth (2007-2012) 1.3 Approach to Youth Development 1.4 Diversity of Contexts (Island Profiles & Realities of Young People) 1.5 Rationale for The National Youth Policy PART 2: THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY FRAMEWORK 2.1 Mission, Value Statement and Motto 2.2 Definition of Youth 2.3 Official Statement on Youth 2.4 Principles, Strategy and Expected Impact 2.5 Policy Goals and Long-Term Objectives PART 3: KEY OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES 3.1 Identification & Self-Awareness 3.1. A Youth & Immigration 3.2 Education, Technology & Capacity Building 3.3 Employment, Social Enterprise & Young Professionals 3.4 Health, Sustainable Livelihoods & the Environment 3.5 Youth in Conflict with the Law, Youth Justice &Safety 3.6 Inclusion in the Decision-Making Process & Youth Empowerment 3.7 Streamlining National Youth Development Goals PART 4: SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY 4.1 Government Leadership and Accountability 4.2 Cabinet Submission 4.3 Parliamentary Consideration 4.4 Structural, Institutional and Legislative Support for the National Youth Policy 4.5 Financing the National Youth Policy 4.6 Implementation Strategy PART 5: INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION 5.1 Stakeholders, Partners and Benefactors of the National Youth Policy 5.2 Implementing Partners 5.3 Role of The Government 5.4 Role of Youth 5.5 Role of Youth Practitioners 5.6 Role of The Research Community 3 | Page Motto: “Engaging, Enabling and Empowering Our Youth” THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY of THE BAHAMAS PART 6: MONITORING, REPORTING AND EVALUATING THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY 6.1 The National Institute for Youth Development (NIYD) 6.2 Monitoring and Evaluation 6.3 Mechanisms for Monitoring and Reporting 6.4 External Partners to Assist with Monitoring and Evaluation 6.5 The Development of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) PART 7: REFERENCES 7.1 National Youth Policy Organisational Chart 7.2 Targeted Family Islands & Focus Groups 7.3 National Youth Policy Consultative Team Members (2007- Present) 7.4 Sources of Law & International Youth Plans 7.5 International Treaties, Declarations and Communiqués 7.6 References 4 | Page Motto: “Engaging, Enabling and Empowering Our Youth” THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY of THE BAHAMAS Foreword On October 27th, 2013, just one day after Hurricane Sandy ravaged our islands, over 100 young people from throughout The Bahamas gathered for the 1st Annual National Youth Partnership Summit (NYPS) where a consensus for the Draft National Youth Policy of The Bahamas was achieved. That date is significant, not only as a symbol of our nation’s renewed dedication to youth representation and empowerment, , but also as a marker of the unwavering resolve of our youth,, in spite of life’s greatest storms and challenges, to step up and step out. Further, it demonstrated their willingness to confront our nation’s most pressing issues head on by becoming active agents of change. At the closing ceremony for the NYPS, I noted wholeheartedly that we have some of the best and brightest young people in the world right here in The Bahamas and pledged to continue my efforts as Minister of Youth to cultivate that potential and make certain that future generations are protected by a policy which defines the interest and status of young people. It is my sincere hope that this policy will build a bridge between the old and the young, Family Islands and the city, those fighting for justice and those in need of it. It will aid those seeking health care and those defending our environment, and will empower those launching businesses as well as those in need of jobs. Young people in The Bahamas have made tremendous advances in technology, sports, arts, culture and, most importantly, education; however, we still have a long way to go if we are to build the best possible environment to prioritize youth in the National Development process. For this, our 40th anniversary as an independent nation, I echo the words of the first Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Sir Lynden Pindling, who stated in his keynote address to the 20th National General Convention of the Progressive Liberal Party on October 28th, 1975 that “any policy consideration of the economic and social development of our nation must be essentially geared to involve young people … young people can and should be seen as powerful agents for national development and social change. And as agents of social changes, they are a most valued national asset.” In order to realise this dream, the National Youth Policy Consultative Team has worked endlessly over the past six (6) years to produce a Draft National Youth Policy. To that end, I would like to thank the current Youth Policy Team who shares my passion to see the policy completed; the Director of Youth, K. Darron Turnquest; Chairman, Tavarrie D. Smith; Andril Aranha; Chanelle Clare, Craig Bain, DeAndra V. Cartwright, Deno Cartwright, Nadia Cash, Marvin Coleby, Ambrosine Huyler, Anastarcia Huyler, Lovy Jean, Jeanette Jean and current and past visionaries of the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture on whose shoulders we stand to produce this current draft. I wish to also extend my gratitude to the countless young people whom have vetted the policy and to those who would have been involved in the qualitative research over the past six (6) years. Special consideration and acknowledgement must also be paid to Former Director of Youth, Mrs. Autherine Turnquest-Hanna who facilitated the initiation of this process. Young people, your time is now; this policy is here to secure your place at the table of nation building. I look forward to continuing our work as we begin the next phase of implementation and monitoring. This policy will make certain that young people are given every opportunity to develop themselves and fully realize their untapped potential. It is emblematic of our youth’s overwhelming commitment to positive national development, despite the perception created by daily headlines that seek to highlight their struggles instead of their triumphs.. This policy represents a truly national effort: irrespective of political persuasions, social status or cultural barriers. We all have a responsibility to build a better Bahamas and our young people must become the building tools if we are to achieve that goal. After many years of discussion, debate, consultation and meetings, we are finally at the precipice of implementing a much-needed National Youth Policy for The Bahamas. I therefore invite all Bahamians to join me in uplifting this nation through our youth. Sincerely, Dr. Daniel Johnson Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture 5 | Page Motto: “Engaging, Enabling and Empowering Our Youth” THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY of THE BAHAMAS Preface For many years, young people in this country have not been given the attention that has been due to them. The constant statement made by individuals from national agencies, churches, and other youth serving organisations that - “something must be done to help our youth”, has been heard loud and clear. Young people throughout The Commonwealth of The Bahamas now stand to benefit from a groundbreaking initiative within the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, specifically the present Division of Youth. The completion of this long awaited initiative, which finally realises the implementation of a National Youth Policy for The Bahamas (NYP), is no longer just an ideal concept or