Clayon Halley: Youth Must Be Given a Seat at the Decision-Making Table
– Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
“It depends on the maturity of our leaders.” That was the sentiment shared by youth advocate Clayon Halley, who is calling for greater inclusion of young people in Guyana’s national development agenda.
In an interview with HGP Nightly News, Halley emphasized that the role young people can play in shaping the nation is largely determined by whether those in power feel secure enough to allow youth voices to thrive.
“Even if you’re on a side that is limited—if you present yourself in a way that those above you feel threatened—you will be sidelined,” he said.
Halley pointed out that many talented and intuitive young people in Guyana remain disconnected from political processes, not because of a lack of will or skill, but due to a lack of opportunity and access.
While some youths are used to fill token roles, Hall argued that truly critical, analytical minds are often left out unless they align with specific political leanings.
“Young people have a great level of energy, creativity, and innovation that comes with being a young person in this era,” he said, noting that such traits should not be overlooked in policy formulation.
The youth advocate stressed that the next generation must not only be seen but heard—and more importantly, empowered.
“Young people have a role to play at every level of national development,” Hall stated firmly.
He urged leaders across the political spectrum to move beyond symbolic representation and instead foster real opportunities for youth to influence decision-making.
“It really is dependent on who is leading us and their value for the youth voice, youth mind, and youth creativity,” Hall concluded.