Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica- Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, has shared an update on the pre-budget consultation for 2022-2023. The consultation has been organised to inform the measures that will be included in this year’s budget.
During the consultation, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit listed several key areas and focused on measures that would be helpful in various sectors, especially agriculture. He also engaged in an interactive meeting with a number of farmers, agro-processors and members of cooperatives at the State House Conference Room in July 2022, where he listened to recommendations related to the respective sector.
The meeting has given him an idea about certain aspects of the agriculture sector, which he mentioned in the consultation.
Through his social media, PM Roosevelt Skerrit noted,” “Pre-Budget consultations are ongoing to inform the 2022- 2023 budget measures.
This morning I met with a number of farmers, agro-processors and members of cooperatives at the State House Conference Room to hear their recommendations.”
In the consultations, PM Skerrit was joined by the Minister with responsibility for Trade, Hon. Ian Douglas, other Cabinet ministers, the Financial Secretary, Denise Edwards and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security, Dr. Kyra Paul.
Moreover, the National Youth Council of Dominica had the opportunity to lend its voice to advocate for key youth aspirations in a pre-budget consultation.
Being informed through various district youth outreaches, General Assembly and interactions with Youth across different walks of life and within different pockets of the island, they have narrowed down on three (3) key priority areas; Educational Reform, Development of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Mental Health and Youth Rehabilitation.
While understanding the challenges that Youth between 16 and 35 faces are far variegated and fall within and outside the scope of these priority areas, they also understand the limitations posed by available resources.
National Youth Council commends the Government of Dominica for including Youth in these spaces to be heard and to participate. More importantly, to inform policy that will affect them.
They stated, “We look forward to more frequent engagements that can sustain the relationships necessary for continued participation as this is key to realising development for Youth. We welcome feedback and importantly also invite you to share your views on other areas that could potentially be included for future engagements.
