11th Commonwealth Youth Parliament

11th Commonwealth Youth Parliament | November 20 to 24, 2022  | Trinidad & Tobago

The Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) is one of the CPA’s most popular programmes and brings together participants aged 18-29 representing the nine CPA Regions – Africa; Asia; Australia; British Islands and the Mediterranean; Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic; Canada; India; Pacific; South-East Asia. The week-long Commonwealth Youth Parliament provides a key development opportunity for young people from the Commonwealth with ambitions of public office and is designed to demonstrate to potential future young Parliamentarians the fundamentals behind the processes of Parliament. The CYP gives participants a Pan-Commonwealth experience and a hugely valuable networking opportunity with other participants from across the Commonwealth, as well as with current Members of Parliament from different jurisdictions who act as mentors throughout the week. The CYP offers participants an opportunity to experience one of the key institutions which underpin democracy and good governance.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Its mission is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance. The Association seeks to build an informed parliamentary community, able to deepen the Commonwealth’s democratic commitment and to further co-operation among its Parliaments and Legislatures.

This mission is achieved through a Strategic Plan which ensures CPA activities continue to meet the changing needs of today’s Parliamentarians.

Presiding Officer

Background image for the President of the Senate
Speaker of the CYP2022

Ms. Anita Haynes, MP

Speaker of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2022

Ms. Anita Haynes, present Member of Parliament for Tabaquite, is the first woman to represent the constituency which is nestled in central Trinidad.

Ms. Haynes began her political career in 2017 as the Public Relations Officer of the United National Congress. Subsequently, in that same year, she was appointed an Opposition Senator.

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Speaker of the CYP 2022

Elected in 2020, MP Haynes’ professional experience includes a five year tenure at the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago during which time she was the team lead for multiple research, monitoring and evaluation projects. She was also a key member of intergovernmental communication committees.

Ms. Haynes, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics with a minor in History from the St John’s University, New York as well a as Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (HONS) from the University of London, consolidates her education and parliamentary experience in passionate advocacy for increased political participation, women’s rights and equitable access to education.

Youth Parliamentarians

Meet your 2022 Commonwealth Youth Parliament participants.

MENTORS

Meet your 2022 Commonwealth Youth Parliament mentors.

DEBATE RESOURCES

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Official Arrival & Departure Dates

The official arrival date for Youth Parliamentarians and/or Accompanying Persons is Sunday, November 20, 2022.

The official departure date for Youth Parliamentarians and/or Accompanying Persons is Thursday, November 24, 2022.

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Registration

Registration is now closed.

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Travel Information

Delegates are asked to make arrangements to arrive into the Piarco International Airport in Piarco, Trinidad.

Participants who arrive on the official arrival date and whose flight details are communicated to the Conference Coordinator will be greeted on arrival at the airport and transported to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where conference participants will be accommodated.

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Responsibility of Host Branch

  1. The Trinidad and Tobago Branch will be responsible for the following:
  2. All meals that are part of the conference programme
  3. Ground transportation
  4. Conference Programme
  5. Conference facilities and provision of all documents related to the conference
  6. Special functions that are a part of the conference programme
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Responsibility of Participants

Participants are responsible for all expenses not relating to airfare, accommodation, transporation to and from the venue and meals.

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Visa Requirements

CARICOM Nationals do not require visas to enter the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Click here for a full listing of Visa Requirements.

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Hotel Accommodation

All participants will be accommodated at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Breakfast will be included on all days.

Photo Courtesy: Hyatt Regency, Trinidad

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Currency & Banking

The currency unit of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the TT dollar. There are bills to the value of TTD$1.00; TTD$5.00; TTD$10.00; TTD$20.00; TTD$50.00; TTD$100.00.
The Sterling, Euro and US Dollar cash and travellers' cheques are freely negotiable at any bank, major business place or hotel.

The TT dollar floats against the US dollar and the current exchange rate is TTD$6.75=USD$1.00.

Click here to view the current exchange rate at Central Bank.

  • Banking Hours
     
  • Mondays to Thursdays
    8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
  • Fridays
    8.00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
    3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Banks in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Extra Activities

An Afternoon City Tour will be provided to participants.

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Ground Transportation

The conference organizers will be responsible for the transportation of all participants from the airport on arrival, to the airport on departure and for all official activities. Participants are asked to be punctual for the scheduled transfers.

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Vaccination

Under the International Travel and Health Requirements, Trinidad and Tobago requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over one (1) year of age coming from infected areas.

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Medical Facilities

For the duration of the Conference, medical coverage (for minor ailments) will be provided. The Port of Spain General Hospital is situated within close proximity of the Conference venue in case of an emergency.

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Dress Code

The following dress code is recommended:

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Lounge Suit or National Dress
  • Plenary Sessions
  • Business Attire
  • Evening Functions
  • Elegantly Casual
  • Tours
  • Casual

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Past Commonwealth Youth Parliaments

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Conference Coordinator

Address

  • Parliamentary Complex
  • Cabildo Building
  • St. Vincent Street
  • Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago