By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Out of the nine newly elected members of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Regional Democratic Council for Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica), four are young leaders, with Jasmain Hackett proudly holding the title of the youngest at just 19 years old.
With a deep-seated passion for the strategic development of her community, Diamond/Grove, Hackett celebrated her induction as a Regional Democratic Councillor for Region 4 on Friday, marking a significant milestone in her journey of civic engagement.
Navigating the transition from the classroom to the council chamber, Hackett, who is currently completing her final year in the International Relations programme at the University of Guyana, articulated that her path has been characterised by dedication, discipline, and a resolute determination to effect change.
“I graduated from high school as the second-best student in my cohort, earning honours and distinctions that laid a strong foundation for my passion for academic excellence. Shortly thereafter, I embraced the role of a teacher, taking on the responsibility of preparing fourth- and fifth-form students for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. I was fortunate to lead three fifth form classes in Social Studies, English A, and History, witnessing remarkable improvements and success in their academic performance,” Hackett shared, reflecting on her early contributions to education.
19 Year-old Jasmain Hackett taking the oath of office
Hackett, an active participant in the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) election campaign, recounted that following her high school graduation and the start of her university journey, she relentlessly pursued her love for public speaking.
“I immersed myself in various debate competitions, consistently earning the title of Best Debater in each event. My passion for advocacy found its outlet in the Youth Parliament, where my efforts were recognised with the Best Speaker award, followed by an appearance at the National Assembly of Girls, where I once again emerged victorious as one of the Best Speakers.” Her confident tone underscored her commitment to youth activism and leadership.
Not content to celebrate her personal achievements alone, Hackett took a proactive step into mentorship, guiding teams for both the Speakers Debate Competition and the Regional Debate Competition, both of which were presented on the esteemed Youth Parliament stage.
“Throughout every phase of my journey, I remained committed to growth, service, and creating a lasting impact in my community. Today, I stand proud and humbled to serve as the youngest Regional Democratic Councillor in the history of Region 4—a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the immense potential of youth leadership.”
As a former youth parliamentarian and an active member of the People’s National Congress Reform, Hackett is a firm believer in the principles of servitude and accountability.
Following her induction on Friday, she candidly expressed her concerns to Nightly News regarding the pressing issues facing her community, including the deplorable condition of the roads, unresolved water supply challenges, and the frequent power outages that disrupt daily life for residents. Her commitment to addressing these critical issues highlights her readiness to advocate for solutions that enhance the quality of life in Diamond/Grove.
Notably, Shaneka Haynes, Ravoldo Birbal, and Dillon Mohammed were also inducted as RDC Councillors, all of whom are youths.
