.Over 3000 Youths Island-wide commenced 2018 MLG Summer Employment Programme
Following the official launch at the Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville on Thursday, August 09, over 360 young people within the parish of St. Catherine, on Monday, August 13, met for a sensitization session inside the New Life Community Church International, Port Henderson Road, Spanish Town.
The six-weeks Youth Summer Employment Programme which is initiated by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, formally commenced last year and will see persons performing critical tasks such as street light verification survey, investigating and identifying disaster risk management areas within communities, ensuring property tax and trade licences, hairdressers and barbers, billboards and signs payments are up to date, as well as other tasks that may be assigned.
There has been an increase in the number of participants. Last year each councillor was required to submit ten (10) names from respective divisions throughout the island, this year, each were able to submit (15).
Chairman of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation and Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott in his greeting to the group said the programme is one which will enable persons to really understand the importance of the Local Authority. He implored participants to take the opportunity to grasp the project with both hands and do their very best in administering keen and hard work. He cautioned persons to not pay attention to the remuneration package, but instead focus on the knowledge and experience they will gain. He advised too, of the provisions that were in place to retain a small percentage of the best candidates who will be employed until the end of the year if certain standards are met. He, on behalf of fellow Councillors, commended the organizers of the programme.
One participant rated the programme as timely. She said it came at the opportuned time when she basically gave up on getting something to occupy her time during the summer period. She said she will definitely make use of the prospect to gain experience and have a little cash in her pocket to help with school supplies.
Meanwhile, Director of Administration, Nicholee Henry-Downie who was acting in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer vice Mr. Andre Griffiths, urged participants that whilst in the field, to make the most of the opportunity and to be professional in their attire and behavior at all times, as they now represent the Municipal Corporation. Other Officers of the Corporation and Councillors, as they too spoke, equally agreed.
The session concluded with Councillors interacting with their groups and presenting them with their packages.
