Residents of the First District will soon have a fresh opportunity to better understand and engage with government processes through a new initiative, “What’s Going On In Government?”. This interactive community meeting series, spearheaded by First District Representative Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson and his District 1 Committee, debuts on Tuesday, 19th November 2024, at Ke Villa’s Lounge, Carrot Bay, starting at 6:00 PM.
Designed as a casual and inclusive forum, the program aims to demystify government operations, foster open dialogue on pressing issues, and encourage residents to propose practical solutions.
Each session will feature guest speakers presenting on key topics while also providing a platform for attendees to voice concerns or seek clarity on government actions.
Honourable Dr. Dawson shared his vision for the initiative, stating: “It is essential for citizens to understand how government functions to actively and meaningfully participate in its processes. As our territory grows, building informed and engaged communities is critical. These sessions will offer insights into government operations, opportunities to review legislative proposals, and a chance to question ongoing initiatives.”
The inaugural meeting will spotlight the Government’s budget process, currently in the Standing Finance Committee phase. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance will provide insights into this critical topic.
The event will be hosted at Ke Villa’s Lounge, owned by local entrepreneur Jerry Cooper. Similar accessible and welcoming venues will be used for future sessions, which are scheduled to occur every two months. The next meeting is planned for January 2025, with the exact date to be announced soon.
This initiative underscores Dr. Dawson’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and community involvement in governance. Residents are encouraged to attend and take an active role in shaping the future of the First District and the wider territory.