GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – A new term for the Local Government Junior Council Programme is off to a promising start on Grand Bahama Island with the swearing-in of the newly-elected councillors Tuesday, November 12th, 2024.
The student councillors, representing various schools throughout the island - namely Eight Mile Rock High School, Jack Hayward Senior and Junior High Schools, St. Georges High School, Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Grand Bahama Academy of Seventh Day Adventists, Sunland Baptist Academy, and Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School – were elected to serve on October 17, 2024. Their swearing-in makes it official and now allows them to assume their roles as Local Government officials.
The Local Government Junior Council Programme, relaunched in 2023, was established to help students understand the workings of government and the Bahamian electoral process by involving them in local governance and empowering them to take active roles in their communities.
Students in the programme participate in community projects like beach cleanups and food pantries. At the close of the term, the councillors are judged on their performance and the impact they made through their chosen community project to claim the title of ‘Best Local Government Junior Council.' Last term’s exercise saw two Grand Bahama schools place first and third overall – Eight Mile Rock High School and Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School, respectively.
The 2024 swearing-in exercise at Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School featured an inspiring message by former St. Georges Junior Council Treasurer Draya Blooms. “To all of you, remember that you are leaders and not followers,” she advised, adding, “It doesn’t matter what the student body looks like – you look different, you be different. You set the examples and you pave the way. Today you might not understand what is exactly in your hands, but tomorrow, when you find yourself fighting for causes you’re passionate about, don’t be afraid to use your voice to speak up on those matters because it does matter and wherever your journey leads you, it doesn’t mean that this was in vain. It means that you have a voice, you speak up, and you represent the larger body that didn’t have the courage to stand in your position today.”
These swearing-in ceremonies of the newly elected Junior Councillors mark the beginning of an exciting journey for these young leaders as they step into roles that will not only shape their communities but also help them grow and make a lasting impact.
