EDITORIAL

As we confront an economy that is recession, and the reality that young people leaving school and university will require jobs, we must encourage them to think outside of the box for them to fulfil their true potential. It is possible that non-traditional sectors, maybe even in other countries, could be an
untapped avenue for our young people to explore.

Barbadians have long had a history of leaving these shores in aims of finding work. In some cases they’ve built new communities and Diasporas in adopted homelands, or returned home to utilise the skills, knowledge and prosperity to kickstart homegrown enterprises.

We’ve turned to other countries before – Panama, Cuba, Guyana, the US, Canada and the UK, to name a few – to seek out employment when things were tough at home.

In addition to that, in more recent years, some have made sport, entertainment and culture their livelihood, even outside of the island; some have played professional football in England or North America; dancers have had opportunities in Europe and the Caribbean; and other persons have worked as entertainers or chefs on cruise ships that operate around the world. Literally, the sky is the limit and the talent is clearly here.

That is why now is the time to encourage young people to develop interests in all types of activities, not just that of the traditional, academically-inclined varieties. There are many young persons who are involved in positive activities which bespeaks their interest in self-development. We have brilliant people who want to make a difference with their lives.

It’s our job as a society to ensure we let them fulfill their mandates and give them the necessary push to turn to alternative sectors.

With the internet at our fingertips, one can literally learn about all manner of ventures. More importantly, however, as we continue to build on our country, it can be an avenue for future development of Barbadians continuing to do what we do best – use our God given talents to work as hard as we can.

This may be an antidote to some of the social morass and traps our people can fall victim to. It is no secret that some have turned to violent crime from a young age, and the recent gun play around the island is troubling because it paints a picture about how they feel about their prospects in life.

If we as a people, a nation, want to pull ourselves out of the economic and societal morass we find ourselves in, new ideas, approaches and paradigms are required, especially when it comes to finding work for young, talented individuals.

In fact, we have a very practical example in the face of Rihanna, who exemplifies how big a person can dream, and how much they can achieve outside their original sphere, when given a chance to prove themselves.

We never know which technological genius or business prodigy will be next to emanate from these shores. It is certain that many of our youth are extremely talented – all they need is a chance and the will to succeed.