Young Professional and Civil Engineer William J. Barry is an employee of Water and Sewerage Department, Government of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided

William J. Barry (left) poses with a friend at a wedding. Photo: Provided

Young Professional William J. Barry among friends in Brixton, London. Photo: Provided

William hails from a community described as ‘a people living together as one family – the island of Virgin Gorda,- where several persons said they have always admired William growing up as a young boy and into manhood, though they said he was “very reserved and not the public type”.

Our Young Professional and aspiring entrepreneur received his primary and secondary schooling at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre.

After graduating from high school, William went on to pursue studies necessary to lead him to his dream career, which sees him being the holder of a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.

William spent his first year of studies abroad at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and three years at University of East London. He said he enjoyed the experience of living overseas, noting that “being away from family wasn’t too bad. I made new friends and was exposed to different culture and foods.”

Today, William is employed with the Water and Sewerage Department.

And while not currently pursuing other studies, William said “I am in the mind frame of owning several businesses from construction to restaurants” and that he is working towards seeing his dreams come to reality.

Passion to better self

Our young professional can be described also as a man of few words and, when asked about the inspiration behind him pursuing his current career as a Civil Engineer, he said, “My passion was led by my persistent drive to better myself.”

“Ten years from now my business will be running smoothly. I am hoping to reinvest in the community,” he added with the confidence that speaks to his determination to not only be a dreamer but to be a man that lives out his dreams, starting from the bottom up and forever upwards thereafter.

William said he had been focused on what he wanted to be in life and never thought about pursuing other fields of work despite the fact that he loves environmental and physical development, something he sees as a secondary option should life take a twist.

As for role models, our Young Professional said he doesn’t think he has ever had a role model. “I like certain traits in individuals and what they represent.”

Hobbies

When not on the job or with the family, our Young Professional said he can be found doing several things.

“I have several hobbies….I love gardening, travelling, shopping, hanging at my favourite bar (CocoMaya), meeting different people from different walks of life,” and some of those people he loves interacting with attested to the fact that William is a person to be loved, have as a good friend and one that is always positive and have a forward mindset about life.

Advice to youth

William advises youth to follow their dreams and never give up on them, just as he doesn’t intend to give up on his.

Meanwhile, William, a son of the Virgin Gorda soil, said his greatest wish for the community he grew up in is that everyone be supportive of each other to move forward as a people.