Parliamentarians debated the National Youth Commission Bill on Wednesday as part of a compendium of bills focused on education and youth.

During his contribution Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg explained the mandate of the commission. He said, “the National Youth Commission will implement policies, programs and projects consistent with the national youth policy in an effort to empower youth to develop their potential and to contribute to national development.”

Bowleg assured that the Commission will not be a burden on the public purse. “We have made all efforts to ensure that this agency is as efficient as possible. This is why we have included resources mobilization and function of the finance department. This department will be charged with carrying out revenue generating activities and tapping into billions of dollars available within local and international markets.”

According to the youth minister the Davis Administration has implemented the most youth focused programs that any other administration. He said, “check the records. A new sitting youth parliament, where youths sit in parliament for a period of two years and the senate, Upskills Bahamas, Opportunity Hub, National Apprenticeship Program and National Youth Guard.”

Overall the legislation will create a more organized and accountable system for developing young Bahamians and youth programs.