From Jamaica Gleaner

Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell says Caribbean youth want to see improved decision-making from their leaders. This, he argues, will boost their interest in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“I think we have to have more decisions, and as politicians and members who lead in our countries, we have to become more sensitive to the people’s interests,” Mitchell said on Friday as the 39th CARICOM Heads of Government Summit in Montego Bay, St James, came to an end.

Mitchell told his colleagues that they needed to hold each other accountable after their meetings, and he was pleased with a recommendation by Mia Mottley, prime minister of Barbados.

He noted: “She proposed that as lead head of the CSME (CARICOM Single Market and Economy), … that she would want a report from the CARICOM Secretariat on a monthly basis. That has never been proposed. So, if Grenada is not taking a particular decision, or [has]) not performed on a particular area, Grenada can be contacted immediately.”

Mitchell added that another way to strengthen engagement is through greater access to information.

He argued: “If we can stream these [CARICOM] meetings [online], why can’t we stream all parliamentary sessions in our individual countries? So you in Jamaica would be able to see a parliamentary session if you wish to bring yourself up to date with what is taking place in Grenada.”

FEELING AT HOME

Speaking to The Gleaner, Mottley reasoned that CARICOM needed to feel like home for youth across the region.

“For it to be home, they need to be able to move, they need to be able to express themselves, they need to be able to take opportunities, get opportunities, everything that you associate with home,” she said.

Continued Mottley: “So how do we create that reality for them to allow them to know that it’s no different from a millennial moving from New York to San Francisco? … Those are the things that we need to put in place to make those opportunities real.”

Janet Silvera contributed to this story.

IMAGE: Keith Mitchell, Grenada PM Lionel Rookwood

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