Youth Parliament: Digital push must not leave elderly, disabled behind

A duo of youth parliamentarians have called for Barbados’ digital transformation to include the elderly and people with disabilities, warning that a push towards a more digital society could leave some Barbadians behind. The issue was raised on Thursday – International Elders Day – on the floor of the House of Assembly, which became the Barbados National Youth Parliament. Leader of Opposition Business Roshauna Clarke joined opposition member Kamalei Ferdinand-King in debating a proposed Digital Transformation Resolution , which calls for a nationally coordinated digital transformation strategy centred on youth empowerment, access and innovation. The Youth Parliament’s decisions, while prominent and likely influential, are not legally binding, unlike House of Assembly resolutions.

Among the proposals are mandatory digital literacy and coding from primary school, interactive school portals, junior digital consultant roles, a National Youth Tech-Pass, community innovation hubs, a national cybersecurity awareness campaign and stronger regional digital cooperation. But Clarke argued that the resolution’s focus on youth was too narrow. “I cannot support a resolution that is not inclusive,” she said. “This resolution is titled ‘Digital Transformation Resolution’; it is not just titled about the youth. What about our old people? What about the disabled? “We are living in a time where there are persons who cannot access things because of digital transformation. What about them? ” Clarke also questioned whether the proposed measures could be implemented effectively, arguing that the resolution raised legal, operational, and financial concerns. “Vision without a viable execution is merely an illusion. ” She raised concerns about the proposed Smart System Initiative and junior…