Minister Pleased with Inaugural Youth Mayors’ Forum
By: , November 23, 2018
Photo: Dave Reid
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (centre), with Youth Mayors from across the country after their presentations at the Youth Mayors’ Forum at the Clarendon Municipal Corporation in May Pen on November 22. Also present are the Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Winston Maragh (back row, left); and Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Paul Thompson (back row, second left).
Photo: Dave Reid
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (right); Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Winston Maragh (left) and the Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Paul Thompson, with members of the May Pen Youth Mayors’ Council – Youth Mayor of May Pen, Daniel Burke (seated at head table); Chief Financial Officer, Shania Morgan (left); Chief Executive Officer, Kereem Osbourne (centre); and Executive Secretary, Nicoly Henningham. Occasion was the inaugural staging of the Ministry of Local Government’s Youth Mayors’ Forum on November 22 at the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, May Pen.The Full Story
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is pleased with the inaugural staging of the Youth Mayors’ Forum.
“I am glad we had this forum. I am glad we came to May Pen. Just a few brief minutes of association have said to me that this year’s crop of Junior Mayors can be ranked extremely high on the list of Mayors who have participated,” said Minister McKenzie.
He was speaking at the Youth Mayors’ Forum, which was held at the Clarendon Municipal Corporation on November 22, as part of the activities for Local Government and Community Month.
The Youth Mayors presented to the Minister their concerns and recommendations about the country’s most vulnerable, particularly those in infirmaries.
“I was pleased with the quality and contents of the presentations. There is not one aspect of what was said that I found not to be critical to the survival of our institutions that cater for the poor and vulnerable,” Mr. McKenzie said.
The concerns of the Youth Mayors include the training of infirmary staff, the treatment, nutrition and health of the residents, the security of property and residents and public-private partnerships for the funding and upkeep of infirmaries.
“I embrace all that has been said. Some of the suggestions that were read out today will form a part of our approach in preparing for the next budget cycle for the infirmaries across the country,” the Minister said.
Mr. McKenzie explained that the concept of Youth Mayors and Junior Councillors is meant to replicate the real structure of the municipalities.