Bobby Francis, who attends York Castle High School, is no stranger to success. He however stated that being installed as Junior Mayor for the parish of St Ann today (November 20) is a cut above his other feats.

The aspiring politician, five days ago, got the better of 14 other aspirants from across the parish to be declared Junior Mayor.

The selection process comprised a speech and an interview.

Francis, when sworn in, will undertake community projects and make official appearances at civic functions.

“It’s an honour to serve the entire parish of St Ann,” the youngster told The Beacon, adding: “I have a passion for leadership.”

It does not escape the 16-year-old that his appointment is happening at a time when there are still talks about young people being disenchanted with politics.

“There has been a gap between young people and politics,” Francis noted. “As a youth politician, I’ll make it my role to try and bridge that gap. I will try to actively involve young persons in decision-making and have them feel involved in the parish politics.”

Francis, who wants to become a law and psychology educator, intends to venture into representational politics. His one-year stint as Junior Mayor should help to groom him especially for politics.

“Youth council will prepare me for parliament – which is on my career agenda,” said Francis, who also is Junior Councillor for the Dry Harbour Division in St Ann.

“I see this appointment as a stepping stone to something greater in youth advocacy – something greater in the world of politics,” he declared.

Francis, ahead of being declared Junior Mayor, belted various accomplishments, especially in public speaking.

He is a past winner of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest (Caribbean Division) as well as champion in the Rita Marley Foundation Public Speaking Competition (2016). Francis told The Beacon that he was also a member of the York Castle High School team that, in 2015, won the National Secondary Schools Debating Competition.

He also serves in different leadership roles, including Student Council President at York Castle High.


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