The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s (KSAMC) Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) kicked off on Friday, with an orientation exercise at the Douglas Orane Auditorium at the Wolmer'sTrust High School For Boys.
Approximately 600 youth between the ages of 17 and 24 years attended and were registered to be part of this year’s cohort.
Williams applauded the Ministry of Local Government and the Cabinet by extension for consistently involving and engaging the youth in local government.
“We have seen an increase of 50% in the allocation to each division for the summer emoloyment programme and we are grateful. A lot was accomplished last year through this initiative and the city and the youth mutually benefited;” Williams stated.
He charged the youth in attendance to take the opportunity as one of leadership and encouraged them to consider themselves as a part of the government for the next few weeks and apply themselves to their respective tasks.
“I want you to take this as an opportunity to apply your skills to the city of Kingston. Your skills are ultimately for the city, your family and country to benefit. You are the future of Jamaica and we want you to be engaged and involved;” he added.
Williams stated that he is firm in his belief that the youth will be the difference in the transformation of our urban centres and that the YSEP is an excellent tool to get them involved in governance.
Tasks to be undertaken will include the auditing of billboards, barbers and hairdressers, trade licences and advertising.
The mayor urged residents of the city and members of the business community to cooperate as best as possible with the summer employees as the data they will collect will assist the KSAMC in better planning for the city.
