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Lack of education seen as a deterrent to self-determination in VI

Co-host of the Umoja Talk show, Sowande Uhuru, feels that education is a solution to many of our problems locally. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In highlighting some of the weaknesses that prevent us from successfully marching towards self-determination, co-host of Umoja, Natalio Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru pinpointed education as a key deterrent.

On the show aired last night, August 23, 2012, on a local radio station, Sowande said “a lot of what we are speaking about can be corrected through the process of education and through the process of learning about Virgin Islands’ history.” 

He expressed that the African studies club made a contribution to the Virgin Islands studies course. “We believe it’s gonna have a tremendous impact on the level of thinking here in the Virgin Islands.” 

He continued by saying that “I think a lot of our issues stem from a certain mentality.” 

The co-host of the radio programme also touched on the issues of greed and principle that affect us as a people in the VI, suggesting that we need to adhere to principles instead of switching according to the circumstances that suit us.

6 Responses to “Lack of education seen as a deterrent to self-determination in VI”

  • fish fry (24/08/2012, 16:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is one time I agree with this dude..education is a boss.
  • corn dog (24/08/2012, 17:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    And do you thin the cxc will change that??? I think NOT!!!
    • my hope (25/08/2012, 23:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      hope Myron does not get rid of our school leaving certificate for the CXC
  • Nevis (24/08/2012, 22:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i agree education is the equalizer
  • Eagle & Buffalo (25/08/2012, 00:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sowande, you hit the nail on the head. Without a doubt, the BVI did not effectively educate and train its citizens to provide the skill sets demanded by a growing economy. We are not equipped to compete in the global economy.
  • E. Leonard (26/08/2012, 02:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Though Virgin Islanders like other people around the world have the right to self-determinstion and the right to freely choose sovereignty and political status without coercion, the big question is the BVI ready to pursue self-determination at this point? Substanttial economic growth and economic development are precursors to self-determination. The BVI has had economic growth. It is recognized as having one of the highest standard of living and quality of life in the region with a per capita income of $38K and an approx GDP of $1B. Nonetheless, this economic growth has not transform into substantial economic development. Virgin Islanders have not substantially partaked in the development process and in the changing fundamental structurre of the economy. Many Virgin Islanders have and are enjoying the benefit of higher incomes but are not fully engaged in the production process. Moreover, economic growth typically should benefit a large sector, not just a minority of any population. Too many Virgin Islanders are not on board the economic growth train. Economic development entails investing in developing human capital, infrastructure development, social development....etc to capitalize on economic growth. As Sowande noted, education is a key component in economic deve)lopment and a critical vehicle in preparing for self-determination. Nevertheless, the BVI has not efffectively train and educate Virgin Islanders to fully take advantage of economic growth. Some foreign involvement is inevitable but more effort must be employed to engaged Virgin Islanders in the economic development process. And education is a critical tool in doing so.


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