Newly appointed Minister of Youth Development, Senator Emmalin Pierre, has promised to continue the work that she already started as government continue to provide better opportunities for youths throughout the Tri-island.

The youthful Senator became a full-fledged minister at a small ceremony held at the Governor General’s residence in St David’s on Wednesday. After taking the oath, the full-fledged minister expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell for the confidence he has placed in her.

She also thanked all those who have supported and continue to support her, in particular her mother husband, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Tafawa Pierre.

The promotion of Sen. Pierre comes on the heels of preparations for the 2006 Budget presentation later this month by Finance Minister, Anthony Boatswain. Minister Pierre said that one of her immediate priorities will be to address the issue of unemployment in the country.

She pointed out that anyone going around the country and interviewing young persons will realise just how serious the level of unemployment is among that segment of the population. She said that this year is being designated for Youth Development.

According to Sen. Pierre, despite the hardships faced in the country, it is important for Government to find the means to provide for young people. One of the programmes the Government is planning to pursue in its efforts to curb the unemployment problem in Grenada is the introduction of a National Youth Service and Employment Programme.

This programme is expected to provide employment opportunities for more than 2000 persons. Sen. Pierre said that the Mitchell administration will be seeking financial support through the controversial 5% Reconstruction Levy to ensure that the project when implemented can continue to help out the youths.

She also stated that she cannot see how any objective Grenadian can oppose the 5% contribution that is going towards the sustainable development of the country as it relates to young people’s development. The new female government minister agreed that the tax is a difficult one at this time but stressed the need for persons to make the sacrifice.

The Grenada Trades Union Council (GTUC) is opposed to the tax and is mobilising its workers to engage in mass protest action in the coming days.