A plumbling programme is hoping to empower young people in the Grandbay Constituency.
The programme was launched in Grandbay on Thursday July 2nd by the Youth Development Division.
Funding for the programme is made possible through the Ministry of Constituency Empowerment, headed by the Hon. Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay Constituency, Justina Charles.
It’s a two-fold programme, primarily to teach 10 young people the theory of plumbing after which they will undertake the plumbing work at washroom facilities that will be constructed in Grandbay funded through the Ministry of Constituency Empowerment.
“The Government of Dominica normally makes money available to the constituencies. As the Minister responsible for Community Empowerment, $2m was sent to my Ministry to be disbursed throughout the constituencies. Out of that, the Parliamentary Representatives decide how that money is utilized based on submitted plans. They are sent to the Ministry of Finance.
“I just thought that based on the level of unemployment among young people in Grandbay- and that’s a global concern, youth unemployment- one of the things we could do is empower our people.”
Minister Charles explained that that money could be used for any project in any format.
“For me, I recognize that plumbing and electrical wiring are some deficient areas in the constituency and we need people who are skilled,” she explained.
Seven washrooms will be constructed with $76,000 from the funds and $29,000 will go towards the plumbing programme.
“We cannot employ everybody. Sometimes I walk on the street and young men tell me, ‘Nurse, I want a job.” This is an opportunity for you to get yourself jobs.”
The Hon. Parliamentary Representative hopes that with the success of the programme, other modules such as electrical wiring and culinary arts can be made available through the Ministry.
Jimmy Haguy, one of the trainees is looking forward to learning the skill.
He says, “I did the construction training from which I learned a lot. I learned how t lay blocks, bend and tie steel. At the end of the day, I can do something for myself. I’m hoping that at the end of it, I will get my certificate and graduate. I would have accomplished a mission.”
The programme will last for three months.
My hoodness how di these people think. If you are conducting an skills empowerment program why not do such a program whereby you yake kidd from different areas Marigot and Salisbury included. 10 plumbers in Grandbay. A prident administration would insure that they drvelope young plum ers from Portsmouth,Marigot,Kalinago,Castle Bruce etc. More value for the effort and resources.
Good idea,But,$1,000 Dollars a Month for a Tranee plumber.A good going rate or job for the boy’s.
Every bloody opportunity goes to Grandbay!
Does Dominica belong to the people of Grandbay?
I am very intrigued. This is getting so boring. Grandbay, Grandbay, Grandbay,
Simon, please be considerate. There are a lot of leaks in Grandbay. It leaking all over the place.
before u talk nonsense,get ur facts straight.this is only done when the people request these trainings,if only one person wants to do that training how can the government train one person it has to be a group of people before it is considered
How often do you hear anything happening Grand bay?? I was even surprise to read that this opportunity is heading South. There are thing happening everywhere so don’t be tired of the South we are people to and we also need opportunities…