EDITORIAL

It has long been one of the goals of the state to ensure that Barbadians are educated, whether with the building of more primary and secondary schools, with the introduction of new programmes, highly trained teachers and the planned expansion of tertiary institutions, such as the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic and the Barbados Community College. There have been many new opportunities created over the years especially for our younger citizens, yet there are still just as many complaints from the youth that there are not enough opportunities available to them.

 

While a case can be made for a review of curricula at some of these educational institutions, there is overwhelming evidence to support the fact that with all the facilities being provided for unemployed individuals, male and female alike, there are still too many unemployed youth in this country. This number has been steadily growing, with some turning to criminal activities as an alternative and police are fighting to stop this growing scourge. In spite of the free education being offered, and the programmes being facilitated by local politicians, some young people are not motivated to take part and in so doing provide little or no contribution towards their own personal growth. Others tend more towards a lifestyle where they pay little attention to how they dress; behave as they like and then expect corporate Barbados to open their doors and welcome them into their organisations in spite of the fact that they have made no effort whatsoever to demonstrate the appropriate attitude of one who is looking for employment.

 

There is also another challenge whereas young people who have just left secondary school and/or university have developed attitudes that appearance and behaviour should be at the standard which they set and the standards of the workplace come a distant second. 

 

This is not to say that a person should be judged solely by his/her outward appearance as opposed to his/her capabilities because that person might not be able to afford some of the tools necessary for that first interview. However, an astute interviewer can usually tell the difference. Job seekers need to accept the fact that first impressions provide that ‘foot in the door’. Your competence, knowledge and positive attitude cements your position in the workplace, especially at this time. In today’s global environment, employment opportunities are very limited for skilled and non-skilled workers alike. One sure key to success is to market yourself to the best of your ability which means that you should display your strengths to prospective employers.

 

People have been expressing disappointment in the introduction of paying tuition at the University of the West Indies, but Government is still committed to doing all in its power to facilitate the education of our citizens in both academic and non-academic ventures. The reality is that in most other countries in the world, these opportunities either do not exist or are provided to a select number of recipients, usually through scholarships or grants where the competition for the final prize is fierce. Here in Barbados, even though there are stringent criteria for qualification, opportunities are offered to a wide cross-section regardless of background, financial status or course of study. Let us continue to encourage our people to take advantage of this assistance to position themselves so that they would be favoured in any vocation that they might wish to pursue.