Caribbean nationals in the United Kingdom are gearing up to participate in the second series of forums, aptly called – Caribbean Question Time, to discuss issues affecting members of the Caribbean Diaspora in London, Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham, June 21-24.
The meetings will provide a context in which UK residents can dialogue with their political representatives, share their views, and get answers about pertinent community issues from key political and civic leaders.
“Caribbean Question Time provides an excellent context in which members of the Caribbean community can share real concerns with their leaders, and hear first-hand, what solutions are being explored to resolve these concerns,” Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society, whose organisation will host the series of meetings, stated.
He disclosed that the issues to be discussed will include matters of growing significance, such as the impact of the 2011 UK Government’s Budget on the community and the current policy re funding higher education for young people. Another area of focus will be on the role of the Church in the social and economic development of the Caribbean Community.
“We anticipate that this year’s Caribbean Question Time series will stimulate a higher level of interest over last year, when more than 250 persons attended the meetings to discuss critical issues, such as the 2010 General Election in the UK; and the imposition of the Air Passenger Duty,” Mr Jarrett stated.
The format of the Caribbean Question Time will be similar to the popular television programme Question Time, with a panel to include UK politicians and community representatives engaging in discussions on a wide range of key issues affecting members of the Caribbean Community.