Youths to run their own council |26 November 2009

These amendments were presented to the assembly on Tuesday by Minister for Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture Vincent Meriton.

They will increase the autonomy of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), and the youths will be able to come up with their own development programme, he said.

The SNYC Bill 2009 seeks to amend the SNYC Act 1997, and approval was given by the assembly in the absence of the opposition members.

Talking about the need for these amendments, Mr Meriton said it will help to make our youths more responsible and productive, and they will be able to draw up their own development programme.

“All operations concerning youth development will be transferred to the youths themselves through the SNYC,” he said.

He added that to achieve this, the role of the council has to be reviewed to make it more autonomous, more functional and to increase its efficiency.

Mr Meriton said the government will contribute financially towards it and will also evaluate the youth development programmes.

And he added that all assets from the existing Youth Division will be transferred to the SNYC along with all other necessary resources.  

“We also have to design an appropriate structure for this council with the introduction of new programmes to address the needs of young people today,” he said.

Changes to the Act mean that delegates appointed by members to the general assembly of the SNYC must be not less than 15 years old and not more than 30; that the minister will give directions to the board; and that the accounts of the council will be audited by the auditor general.

They also say there shall be a secretary-general of the council, who will also be the chief executive officer, and a council board will be set up consisting of a chairperson, vice-chairperson and five other members to be appointed for a two-year term.

Among the members of the assembly who commented on the amendments to the Act were leader of government business Marie-Louise Potter, opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan, elected member for Anse Aux Pins Joseph François and proportional member Jose Henri from the opposition.