On November 30, 2026, two University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) business students will take their seats in the House Chamber at the Red House, assuming parliamentary responsibilities as part of Trinidad and Tobago’s 23rd National Youth Parliament.
Mishael Husband, 22, and Myron Diaz, 18, have been selected to participate in the national programme organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The initiative brings together young people between the ages of 17 and 22 from secondary schools, youth organisations and tertiary institutions, offering them an opportunity to experience parliamentary democracy firsthand.
Through debate and interaction with parliamentary officials, participants gain an understanding of legislative procedures, how national decisions are made and how young citizens can influence public policy. The programme also encourages young people to express their views on matters of national importance and engage in constructive dialogue with decision-makers.
Preparation extends over several weeks, with virtual and in-person sessions covering public speaking, parliamentary research, debating techniques, Standing Orders and parliamentary procedure. Participants also undertake mock debates, caucus sessions and rehearsals in the House Chamber before the final sitting.
This year’s debate will examine the motion, “Should there be an age limit for the access to and usage of social media?” The discussion will focus on proposed restrictions for children under sixteen, including the implications for online safety, digital access and government regulation.
For Husband and Diaz, the programme offers an opportunity to contribute to a national discussion while gaining practical experience in parliamentary leadership.
Age: 22
Programme: Bachelor of Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Year of Study: Second Year
Academic Distinction: Honours Student
Youth Parliament Role: Minister of Finance and Member for Barataria/San Juan
At five years old, Mishael Husband was already telling his parents that he intended to become Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
“If you would ask my parents, ever since the age of five, I’ve been telling them I will be the next Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,” he recalled.
Now 22, the USC Honours student is preparing to enter the parliamentary chamber where he hopes eventually to serve in an elected capacity.
“It was honestly very surreal,” he said of his selection. “Oh my gosh, I’m actually going to be sitting in the Parliamentary Chamber, where I want to eventually end up someday.”
Husband’s political interests are reflected in his community involvement. He serves as Vice-Chairman of the Point Fortin Youth Group, Public Relations Officer of the Point Fortin Youth Council and Assistant Secretary of his local village council.
He is also establishing Invision Foundation, an organisation intended to improve access to youth development opportunities, particularly for young people living outside northwestern Trinidad.
“There are a lot of opportunities for youth out there,” he explained. “However, they may not be aware that opportunities exist, or maybe because of geographic location, they can’t access it.”
Although he had hoped to represent his home constituency of Point Fortin, Husband welcomed his assignment to Barataria/San Juan.
“The point is, I’m still here to serve a purpose, and I’m going to represent regardless.”
As Minister of Finance, he will examine the financial implications of proposed measures to protect children online, including expenditure on preventative initiatives and responses to online harm.
“It’s not only about the numbers, it’s not only about the money that’s being spent, but also about actually protecting the youth,” he explained.
His preparation has also prompted him to reconsider his initial opposition to social media restrictions.
“I was like, no, like, why are we banning young people from social media?”
Through research and training, he came to distinguish between an outright ban and measures intended to protect minors from harmful content and cyberbullying.
At USC, Husband serves on the Associated Student Body’s Ambassadors Committee and as a policy analyst on its Parliamentarian Subcommittee, reviewing constitutional provisions and identifying possible amendments.
He considers his National Youth Parliament appointment an opportunity to highlight the capabilities of USC students while gaining experience relevant to his political ambitions.
His advice to fellow students is equally grounded in his willingness to pursue opportunities.
“If you know you’re good at something, and you see an opportunity, take it, because not all the time opportunities may circle back to you.”
Age: 18
Programme: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Year of Study: Second Year
Academic Distinction: Provost’s List Student
Youth Parliament Role: Deputy Speaker and Member for Tobago East
For Myron Diaz, an interest in Parliament does not necessarily translate into ambitions for political office.
“I’m a very apolitical person,” the 18-year-old Arima resident explained. “I’m not political, but I have always been interested in current affairs, history.”
His attraction to the National Youth Parliament was largely driven by his enthusiasm for public speaking and the opportunity to contribute to discussions affecting the country.
“This was like one of the top moments to public speak because you are public speaking, representing the youth’s voice on a national level,” he said.
Diaz had previously explored opportunities to participate in Parliament through another organisation, without success. When an invitation subsequently arrived through USC, he welcomed the unexpected opportunity.
“Ain’t God good,” he recalled thinking.
As Deputy Speaker, Diaz may be called upon to preside over parliamentary proceedings. He also serves informally as Deputy Leader of the House within the youth parliamentary group, helping coordinate contributions from more than twenty participants.
“It’s a lot of work,” he acknowledged, “but it’s a role that I like and it’s a role that I’ve taken to.”
The training programme has introduced him to parliamentary research, the evaluation of credible sources and the Standing Orders governing debate.
“You have certain rules to follow despite what you may be seeing,” he observed.
Although Diaz supports appropriate safeguards for children using social media, he believes policymakers must consider the implications of restricting access to digital platforms.
“We also have to be mindful that we aren’t restricting young people and not preparing them well enough for a digital world,” he cautioned. “That is where the world is going.”
Beyond his parliamentary preparations, Diaz has pursued leadership and professional development opportunities at USC. A Provost’s List student, he currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Associated Student Body’s Financial Administration Committee.
One of his most significant professional experiences resulted from a workshop hosted by the School of Business, where representatives of accounting firm Grant Thornton discussed internship opportunities.
Having delivered the vote of thanks, Diaz approached the representatives, subsequently applied and secured a two-month internship in the firm’s Audit and Assurance Department.
“That was genuinely a life-changing experience,” he reflected.
The internship provided practical exposure to the accounting profession and allowed him to develop professional relationships that he continues to value.
Diaz credits USC with providing opportunities that have contributed to his personal and professional development.
“I am yet to regret, and I don’t think that I’ll ever regret coming to USC,” he said.
Looking ahead to November 30, he hopes to deliver a contribution that reflects his preparation and the education he has received.
“I want to represent me well. I want to represent USC well.”
He is equally committed to supporting his fellow parliamentarians.
“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” he observed. “So, I want to be a strong link.”
The 23rd National Youth Parliament is scheduled for Monday, November 30, 2026, at the Red House in Port of Spain. Members of the USC community are invited to follow Husband and Diaz’s participation through Parliament Channel 11, Parliament Radio 105.5 FM, or the Parliament’s YouTube channel, ParlView (youtube.com/@ParlView), as they contribute to this national debate.
