Hon. George addresses sixth inaugural meeting of Canefield Urban Council

Roseau, Dominica – October 16, 2007………. The newly sworn- in members of the Canefield Urban Council have been advised to take advantage of the Industrial Estate in their area by establishing a database of all the young people in the area as well as their qualifications, interests and abilities.

This advice came from acting Minister for Community Development, Gender Affairs and Information, Hon. Ambrose George while he addressed the Sixth Inaugural Meeting of the Canefield Urban Council on Monday, October 15, 2007 at the Old Mill Cultural Centre.

Hon. George asked whether the Council was taking advantage of the Canefield Industrial Estate for the benefit of the residents of Canefield and the environs.

“I just want to draw one example and let us look at employment. There are many facilities at the Industrial Estate that offer employment especially to young people… What I would like to suggest is that the Council should have a database of all young persons whether they are still at school or have graduated, so that by having this Industrial Estate in your community, I think you should have as an Urban Council some influence in terms of obtaining employment for the young people in the Canefield Community…”

Hon. George also argued that the database would also help the Council to obtain scholarships being offered by the Government when these opportunities become available.

The Canefield Industrial Estate, which is divided into thirty units provides job opportunities for (320) three hundred and twenty persons in the areas of manufacturing, agro-processing, printing and information and communications technology among other areas.

Meanwhile Mr. Simeon Albert, who had been Chairman of the Canefield Urban Council for the last six years was re-elected to serve as Chairman for another three years, having topped the polls in the elections. Other elected councillors are Evander Joseph, Christopher Valerie, Maxmin Powell and Irma Lafond-Joseph.

Nominated councillors are Agatha Jackson, Anthony Prince and Franklyn Fabien.

Also in attendance at the Sixth Inaugural Meeting were Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit and several of his Cabinet colleagues as well as residents of Canefield and the neighbouring communities and the local media.