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 digital consultant roles, particularly where minors could access sensitive information.

Instead, Clarke proposed a structured and supervised Information and Communications Technology (ICT) apprenticeship, with academic systems centralised under the Ministry of Education Transformation and protected by strict role-based access controls.

Clarke also called for a dedicated Digital Transformation Delivery Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office, arguing that having several ministries responsible for one roadmap could create administrative problems.

“Instead of placing these operational infrastructure burdens on students, we must establish a structured, supervised ICT apprenticeship under the Occupational Training Act.” 

Ferdinand-King focused on another major concern: cybersecurity fatigue as Barbadians spend more of their lives online.

“One of the biggest issues when it comes to this digital transformation era is digital security,” she said. “But one thing we have yet to speak about is the fatigue when it comes to cybersecurity.”

She acknowledged that even she had fallen into unsafe online habits, including reusing passwords: “I myself am guilty of that.”

Ferdinand-King also criticised lengthy online terms and conditions, saying users should be able to quickly understand what they are agreeing to.

“Make it [specific] and show the important points that we are agreeing to,” he said. “Show us what we need to see so that we understand what we are applicable to and what we aren’t.”

He proposed using government-provided networks as an opportunity to build cybersecurity awareness through short questions users could answer while accessing the service.

“Whether you get it right or wrong should not matter, but it should be there so that even if you do not know a lot about cybersecurity or are uninterested, you will be able to know something.”

Ferdinand-King suggested the approach could particularly benefit older people who regularly travel into Bridgetown.

“And even the older people, I know they love to be in town when they’re not at home,” he said. “It would be helpful to them especially, because they will be forced to see it.”

He also argued that digital security must become an everyday concern as more services and personal information move online.

“Being online is risky, but being offline is even riskier.”

The proposed resolution also calls for a National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign focused on digital safety, data protection and recognising online misinformation, while urging Barbados to deepen regional digital cooperation through CARICOM.

The Youth Parliament, facilitated through the Youth Development Programme in the Division of Youth Affairs, is intended to provide young people with an opportunity to engage in parliamentary practice. 

The sitting formed part of National Youth Week, being held under the subtheme Youth Today, Leaders Tomorrow! with its programme of examining national issues and putting forward recommendations from the perspective of young Barbadians to continue on November 26.