Prime Ministerial Advisory Council reports on achievements and upcoming plans
SENATOR SHACKELLE BOBB, Parliamentary Secretary and advisor to the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council, has unveiled the council’s calendar of activities for the remainder of this year and into 2025. She was giving an update at a summit last Thursday, August 8, 2024, during which the council’s plans and achievements were highlighted since its inception in October, 2023.
Among the activities on the calendar is a Youth Business Fair to be held in September, and Youth Excellence Award, scheduled for November.
“We hope to see some of your faces at our Youth Business Fair. We will be hosting a number of young entrepreneurs, and they would have their products or services on display.”
Bobb highlighted that the council has set specific objectives for 18 sectors and established a government structure, emphasising the significance of these steps in advancing their goals.
The council, initially comprising 30 members, has expanded to now have more than 232. Bobb said that the number is expected to increase as they are still recruiting people for the advisory council.
The chair for the housing sector, James Campbell, proposed the implementation of duplex housing to facilitate the recovery and reconstruction efforts following the destruction by Hurricane Beryl.
In November, 2023, the council held budget consultations with the Cabinet and is now preparing its internal budget for the upcoming consultations scheduled for November this year, demonstrating the importance of financial planning and collaboration with government entities, it was revealed at the summit.
Bobb emphasised the council’s active engagement with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth Affairs; CARICOM Youth Ambassadors; UNICEF; and JCI St Vincent, highlighting their collaborative approach in advancing shared goals and initiatives.
Recognising the prevalence of youth-related crime, Bobb said a detailed report, compiled through consultations with the Ministry of National Security, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, was submitted to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, outlining proactive measures taken by the council to address this pressing concern.