‘This entitlement thing’ is a real problem- Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley
This is the harsh reality in the Virgin Islands, according to local businesswoman Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley.
Dr Stoutt-Ottley’s comments were made at the Rotary Club of Tortola Entrepreneurs Economic Forum held in Jost van Dyke Conference Room at Maria’s by the Sea on November 8, 2022.
‘The drive isn’t there’- Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley
The issue of entitlement among locals has been a talked about topic for a long time and is often confirmed by employers, who in the past have said they are willing to employ locals but the work ethic is lacking in some cases.
“And then I want to go to the fundamentals of how we raise our youths, this is something that I have encountered as an employer.
“I would love to see some more young people with drive. Sometimes you really want to help them, you really want to give them a job, but the drive isn’t there. So, the thing is we have to find a way now to get those young people to understand that ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. We need to find some way to challenge them so when they bump into these opportunities possibly later or earlier in life, they have encountered some testing times so they can take risks but safe risks,” Dr Stoutt-Ottley commented.
Drug running the alternative to bank loans?
The local entrepreneur was among the panelists asked what they would say to persons who turn to drug deals for money to expand or start their business, since it is a real challenge to get loans from banks and also the paper works required by the banks are sometimes too much for persons applying for financing.
Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley had also said she was sure the Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) had policies in place to discourage such an undertaking.
“We have to make sure that it is riskier or more difficult for someone to enter a transaction like that because they fear the consequences that would be given if they were to be found. To have this kind of transaction,” she stated.
The panelists on the Rotary Club of Tortola Entrepreneurs Economic Forum also included Mr Clarence Faulkner Jr, St Clair H. Fleming Jr, Shea O. Alexander, Shaina M. Smith-Archer and Alexandra V. Durante.
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30 Responses to “‘This entitlement thing’ is a real problem- Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley”
I only wish that more BVIslanders would face the truth and stop burying our heads in the sand like Ostrich.
THE TRUTH SHALL SET US FREE.
Where does it end when you follow a criminal path?
Dr. Stoutt-Ottley has worked hard to establish her businesses.
As a client, I applaud her efforts knowing she was not born into wealth and continues to strive for excellence for her clients and businesses.
Prepare a proper speech when invited to speak and stop going on the podium unprepared and speaking nonsense. I am sick of those types of unprepared speeches. She claims to be a doctor and could not deliver a more empowering speech - Stupes. What's the difference????
If one wants to employ persons that can be manipulated at will and be paid minimum wage, play the entitlement card. That is the crux of the matter! And just so or society is going to the dogs.
A native Virgin Islander to the Nth generation
Why was none of the other panelists speech was not highlighted?
How about picking from.the few and using them to drive your point home, in a way that doesn't snub the noses of those who are trying to make it.
She full of sh** we born here and that should mean something