Submitted by Yardbroom
The aspiration to achieve a good secondary education and a possible University degree; has brought hope, to many young people in Barbados. Over many years, Governments of both parties – BLP and DLP – have made a significant investment in education, and the benefits of that investment, have contributed to Barbados’ success. Those who have benefited most, are children of the professional classes, businessmen, middle management, teachers and government officials; but it cannot be denied, others from lower income categories – even some who are very poor – have also benefited.
The transition phase from a good standard of education, to relatively secure, well paid employment for young people, is an area that continues to cause difficulties in Barbados, irrespective of which party – DLP or BLP – is in Government.
Connections to people who know people, can have a significant effect on young people’s employment prospects. Unfortunately, too large a percentage of talented youths, find it difficult to obtain employment, as they do not have well placed connections. This is not a problem – as I have alluded to before – which is political party specific, as its “core” is embedded in Bajan culture. . . it is not what you know, but who you know.
How can we start to disentangle this log jam, as the continuous rolling of logs, with no discernible forward movement -is no longer an option.
When in a “tropical island,” a sizeable percentage of the young, think it is undignified, and beneath their social position, to engage in any form of manual effort, which is carried out in the sun or out of doors, we have a major problem. The difficulty of securing employment, for a sizeable percentage of our young people, can only be seriously addressed in the long term; if there is a shift in attitude. This is essential, as it is most unlikely, we can offer what is now deemed suitable employment, for the majority of our young people.
In the past it was possible for young people to immigrate to the UK, Canada, USA and other places with relative ease. These avenues have in the main been choked off, because of world wide pressure on respective governments to restrict immigration. In conjunction with the above, there is also a large inflow of CARICOM nationals, seeking employment in Barbados.
We need to have a long term plan, with clearly identified achievable objectives. Within that plan, among other initiatives, we could take a serious look at farming, agriculture, horticulture etc, underscored by academic qualifications from reputable learning establishments. Some element of financial support, for those who are ultimately qualified, would be necessary as an incentive, but this would be an investment in people, to get them started in business enterprises.
It is necessary to show that there is a possible positive outcome, in certain areas of employment; and remove any stigma that now exist. We must accept the fact, that it is not possible – due to scale – to secure employment for a high enough percentage of young people, to meet present demand, in areas considered socially acceptable.
We have wasted much valuable time, constantly looking for the “single big idea” without utilizing the resources we have. There must be a variety of avenues to success, for our young people; it cannot be confidence building, for a large percentage of young people, to find it acceptable, to do nothing as a way of life. Guidance and Government initiatives are required, not knee jerk responses.
Any forward looking Government, should invest in the talent it has available, to do otherwise is not to take its responsibilities seriously.
Some young people are dissatisfied, dissatisfied people do not respect authority, be it the Police, Government, or even their own families, far less social values. They see themselves as outside the main stream, with no position in society. They do not “constructively” participate, as they have no opportunity to obtain what is considered important in society.
We must find ways to engage the disadvantaged, it is detrimental to the public good, to have a large percentage of society’s fit young people, languishing in a tide of drift. To expend precious resources continuously in the Judiciary, Police, Social Services and other areas without tackling the problem at its core, is a waste.
Often – not always – the only difference between the successful lawyer, doctor, or accountant, and the young men/women on the block is “opportunity”.
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