Dickson Igwe. Photo: VINO/File

This reader of economic stories does not consider top down economics a sustainable model for these islands, especially in the long run. The Virgin Islands are overwhelmingly dependent on foreign investment. And that means financial services and tourism.

However, these industries are mostly controlled by foreign investors. They are industries that depend on conditions elsewhere for viability. Yes, the twin pillars are crucial to the economy and social development of the Virgin Islands. But there is a social price to pay for that dependency on Jack Billionaire who controls the economy, and who puts bread on the Virgin Islands breakfast table.

The country needs to use the proceeds from this providence – the largess from financial services and tourism- to diversify economically, and become food and drink sufficient.

Agricultural sufficiency is the only option for a country with few resources. It has been proven that in many developing countries, agriculture is the one industry- if creatively managed- that is a tide that lifts all boats, especially those of the people at the bottom of the social pyramid. 

Past governments have not acted to change the present economic model to one where a greater level of national self sufficiency exists. Changing the present economic model to one where there is greater emphasis on building a powerful local dynamic through diversification and agriculture, will require leadership and vision, add innovation. 

Millions of dollars have been wasted through a lack of foresight and vision. Developing an indigenous internal economic dynamic that is viable and backed by government will ensure a good future for Virgin Islands youth. And that is the only sustainable strategy going forward in this Old Boy’s opinion. But that is another topic and story altogether. A lot will be said about this in the coming months.

OK. There is a systemic aspect to deviancy. There is no doubting that. Juvenile deviancy is affected by a host of factors: social, economic, and even political.

Now, this Researcher cannot state categorically that poverty and inequality are motivators for crime. Criminals inhabit every social subset in society. However it is an assertion worth assessment.   

Paul Strome, a Canadian Educator, and contributor to the Virgin Islands juvenile deviancy discussion asserted that, ‘’ there is always the 1 or 2 % who are deviant, immoral, unethical, or even criminal.’’

Yes, that is a very acceptable inference. Strome further stated that, "in order to have an impact, we need to look collectively for solutions.’’ Strome’s contribution was very valuable. He impacted the discussion on juvenile delinquency in the Virgin Islands by providing a viewpoint that stated that poverty was a factor in juvenile deviancy.  

Now, there are common denominators with juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquents tend to come from socially deprived areas and deprived backgrounds. Most young deviants do not have strong male role models: the father is missing in the family. Social deprivation, as a factor in juvenile delinquency, is not always the case, but it is for the majority of juvenile delinquents.

Another reality: Juvenile delinquents are frequently slow learners. Many young delinquents have learning deficits. This lack of aptitude can stem from physical, psychological, or purely social factors. And this shortcoming in their learning aptitude causes frustration. That frustration in turn leads to poor behaviour. It is crucial these learning deficits are diagnosed early in life. This is so, that the requisite interventions can be accessed. One positive is that there is a serious attempt to tackle these issues in Virgin Islands education at present. 

So effective learning, and the absence thereof in the life of some children, is a critical factor in both the ability and inability of a community to fight youth delinquency. Consequently the answer from the research was this: the time has arrived for the Virgin Islands to treat the growing problem of juvenile delinquency in a coordinated and unique manner. And that means the formulation of a NEW STRATEGY to intervene in the lives of these delinquents through the use of the EDUCATION PROCESS and SUPPORTING SOCIAL SERVICES.

Fighting juvenile delinquency through the education process will require the formulation of a completely new strategy. It will also entail the establishment of a special and unique facility where juvenile delinquents can receive the corrective type education and interventions that can change their poor behaviours.

To do this will require national will, a coordinated approach, and the allocation of new physical and human resources. To do nothing is not an option. Why? Because doing nothing will simply ensure the problem mothballs. If the juvenile deviancy monster is not speared, it will create a future society of gated communities, where crime and violence are the norm.

Just look across the Channel to St Thomas and St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands for the future model, if delinquency is not tackled as a priority in the British Virgin Islands. 

The end.

Dickson Igwe is a current affairs columnist. He is the Executive Director of Kids and the Sea BVI (KATS). Connect with Dickson Igwe on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.