Young people challenged to boost Tobago economy

Young persons are being challenged to become business owners to boost Tobago’s economic.

The challenge came from Finance Secretary Joel Jack who said the goal should not be to get a job with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) but to take up the mantle of leadership and seek global opportunities.

Addressing 57 graduates of the Youth Energised for Success Programme 2018 closing ceremony last Thursday at the Victor E Bruce Financial Complex, Jack said:

“What we hope for is a cross-fertilisation of ideas, we are hoping that we can have shared passion and vision and that the more mature students can encourage the younger ones. At the end I’m hoping to hear person say I don’t want to just work to the Tobago House of Assembly, I want to start my own business and I want to get into the global market. We want to prepare you to take up the mantle of leadership from now.”

He said major issues for the THA and private sector employers was that job seekers do not possess the experience nor training in the world of work. He claimed the YES programme has resulted in improvement in the productivity levels across the THA.

Jack also encouraged young people to work together to enhance the working environment in Tobago as he announced that YES would be hosting a personal development programme for women on International Women’s Day in November.

June Melville, Director of YES, described the programme a success as she stressed on its vision of preparing young Tobagonians to be leaders in the development and diversification of the island’s economy.

Noting the theme of this year’s programme, “Purpose Starts with Knowing Your Identity,” Melville said this year’s activities focussed on professionalism, social and civic growth through workshops, debates, field trips, presentation and real life work experiences. She said focus was also placed on life skills, time management, financial management, customer service, problem solving and effective communication.

“Through the debates, we were able to identify future leaders and a few politicians,” she said.