Sixty-One Percent Young; So Why Is Power So Old?

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:04]Electoral politics has long been seen as a tough no holds barred arena, one dominated by seasoned familiar faces.

[00:00:13]But in a country where 61% of the population is under 35, many are now asking where our young leaders are.

[00:00:21]Despite that overwhelming youth majority, political parties often lean on the same tired and tested names, recycling candidates instead of introducing fresh voices. So tonight, we're asking, does Biza's political landscape truly have room for the next generation? Or are young people still waiting on the sidelines for their chance to lead? You cannot raise minimum wage with one hand while taking back the same money at our gas station, the light bill, the grocery store, NHI, social security.

[00:00:58]>> This current PUP government woke up and chose violence. 30-year-old Melvin Sutherland and 33-year-old Kurrick Samuels have expressed their interest in contesting the 2027 municipal elections as candidates under the United Democratic Party in Bise.

[00:01:19]Southerntherland also serves as the leader of the UDP's youth national arm.

[00:01:24]People always had referred to me as the nerd. Um I always had the interest for international news. always had an interest for um what is happening within our political arena within our country.

[00:01:38]I remember um growing up riding on my bike to to see Dean Barrow speak.

[00:01:45]>> I realized that I have to be able to do something different. I have to be able to stand up for something and be a leader within, you know, my capacity, right? So that's why I was inspired.

[00:01:57]33-year-old Malcolm Eunice serves as a biz city counselor for people's united party and leads the party's youth arm.

[00:02:05]>> It became the life mission of mine just to serve. It doesn't have to be recognized but to serve to see the development for young persons or for anybody.

[00:02:15]>> Critics argue that young people lack experience and struggles to handle the pressures of political office. go to the high schools, go to the um primary schools, go to the six forms, go to the university and you engage with these young people and see what these young people are doing and then you come and tell me that they don't have the potential to serve at a different capacity.

[00:02:39]>> Everyone has their own perspective of what they believe and your age, right? I think once you're in a position anyway in life, you be you become the maturity develops over time and you become comfortable in the position you currently hold.

[00:02:56]>> Can young leaders steer clear of corruption and selfserving politics. I have a son, a young son, and I want when it's his turn to do whatever he wants to do in life, he could look back and say, "My dad was instrumental in making sure young persons have a voice in whatever capacity."

[00:03:18]>> For me, it all comes down to morality.

[00:03:21]You know, right or wrong, that is the reality. Right or wrong, my conviction, that is what I go on. Um, so that is what it boils down to. The leaders of both major parties have publicly declared their support for younger representation in the 2027 municipal elections.

[00:03:40]>> The youth voice is going to be an integral part of leadership for the United Democratic Party move.

[00:03:50]>> I know about two young men that are considering in in running and um and I think they have excellent choices for for city. Ironically, when Alan Pard expressed interest in 2023 to run for mayor, PMO told him to sit back and think things through.

[00:04:08]>> My recommendation to him, just sit back and think things through as to what are your real objectives, what are your long-term objectives, and do not lose sight of that.

[00:04:18]>> Reporting for News 5, I am Paul Lopez.