On the morning of Monday 12th August 2024, the National Assembly of Seychelles hosted a Special Sitting of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly in commemoration of International Youth Day 2024. The Young Honourable Members of the SNYA were invited into the Chamber of the House to deliberate and carry out a Sitting of the Youth Assembly as they customarily would.
Greeting the Young Members and offering a few words of encouragement before the Sitting began, was the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne. Hon. Mancienne emphasized that their role as Young Members should not be underappreciated, and this commemoration of Youth Day showed a strong emphasis on the importance of engaging with and promoting the development of our next generation. Also giving a few words was the Chairperson of the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee Hon. Wavel Woodcock, who welcomed the SNYA Cohort to the National Assembly, wishing them a pleasant deliberation and a fruitful Sitting within the Chamber.
The Sitting began, following the protocols and procedures of the National Assembly of Seychelles, with the Young. Hon. Speaker Stanio Arissol entering the Chamber in the procession led by the Sergeant-at-Arms Mr. Antoine Rose. Young. Hon. Arissol gave a statement in commemoration of Youth Day, before opening the floor for the motion submitted by Young. Hon. Trina Low-Lam of Independent School. The motion read as follows: “We the Seychelles National Youth Assembly 19th cohort propose that the government and all technology-related sectors, to strongly emphasise the integration of modern digital technologies in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental conservation and particularly education to drive innovation and sustainable development.” The motion was seconded by Young. Hon. Chloe Ally of the Seychelles Maritime Academy.
The Young Members then proceeded to put forward their debates, in support of the motion, by presenting strong calls to action for the implementation of technology and digital advancements in various socioeconomic sectors. Calls were made for the government to enact changes and improve access to information, integrate technology into basic public services, and increase levels of collaboration with sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and energy production to improve the cost and quality of life in Seychelles.
Following the insightful deliberations, the Young. Hon. Speaker then called the Assembly to a vote in which the motion of Young. Hon. Low-Lam was approved by unanimous vote. The empowering session then came to a close as Young. Hon. Arissol expressed his thanks to the National Assembly for hosting this Special Sitting, and adjourned the Sitting.
