MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Two Islanders to represent the Falkland Islands at Commonwealth Youth Parliament

Stacy and Krysteen will be travelling to London next December (Photo: FIRS)

Two young Falkland Islanders, Stacy Bragger and Krysteen Ormond, have been nominated by the Legislative Assembly to represent the Falkland Islands at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) in London between 4th-8th December 2012. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has accepted both candidates.

This year’s CYP will focus on governance, looking at the concept from a local, national and international perspective. Representatives are chosen for demonstrating an interest in the Commonwealth and parliamentary affairs and potential leadership qualities. Good communications skills are essential. The CYPs will be expected to take an active role in the debates and proceedings of the Parliament, which is hosted at the Palace of Westminster.

Member of the Legislative Assembly, Hon. Mike Summers commented highly of the CYP experience.

“The experiences gained at last years CYP by Nadia Smith and Pippa Christie, and by the younger generation of Islanders that accompanied MLA's to Washington and New York earlier this year, not only enriches their experiences but also helps disseminate the Falklands message to a wider audience. These generations will represent the Falklands at home and overseas for many years to come; the people they meet now and the experience gained will stand them in good stead.”

Krysteen Ormond said she felt honoured to have been chosen to attend the Youth Parliament as a representative of the Falkland Islands.

“I had a wonderful time in the United States earlier this year assisting MLAs Edwards and Summers at the C24 meeting, so the chance to go out again and share the Islands' message with the international community will be really exciting, not to mention the insight I will get into governance and the Commonwealth countries will be invaluable.”

 Stacy Bragger was also enthusiastic about his nomination.

“I am delighted to have been selected to represent the Falkland Islands at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. It should be a fascinating experience and a great opportunity to learn more about parliamentary affairs and the Commonwealth. I am looking forward to being able to continue the recent work of other young Falkland Islanders in promoting our messages internationally”.