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Too many young men on the streets with nothing to do- Carl Dawson

Former Permanent Secretary and businessman Mr Carl Dawson has bemoaned the fact that too many young people, especially men, are walking the streets without any thing to do. Photo: VINO/File
The Lower Estate Superette was robbed by a lone gunman on March 30, 2017. Photo: VINO
The Lower Estate Superette was robbed by a lone gunman on March 30, 2017. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Proprietor of Lower Estate Superette Mr Carl Dawson has bemoaned the fact that too many young people, especially men, are walking the streets "without any thing to do."

Mr Dawson was speaking to Virgin Islands News Online following the armed robbery committed on his business place on March 30, 2017.

According to the former Permanent Secretary, he was not at the superette at the time but when he got there he was told that a masked man “held up the girls with a gun and took whatever cash was there and left.”

Mr Dawson further related that it was not the first time his business place was robbed. “It was robbed numerous times, at least five or six times already. I was held up personally about two or three times while in the shop.”

Can’t turn over security of territory to police

Mr Dawson said; however, that his concern is that the leadership of the country feels they could turn the security of the country to the police. “You can’t do that. The security of the country belongs to all of us.”

Explaining his point, Mr Dawson said there are too many young people out of school on the streets walking about without anything to do and that this needed to be urgently addressed.

The businessman said he is aware there is a technical school for young people; however, there is need for more expertise there. “You cannot train tradesmen in a technical school without people who do not know enough of the trades.”

Reflecting, Mr Dawson said when he was working for Government he had trained more than twenty young men “who were getting out of hand.”

“They sending the guys to work with the tradesmen but there is a certain amount of theory that has to go into the training.”

Mr Dawson cautioned, however, that he was to check out the situation at the Virgin Islands School of technical Studies (VISTS) to see if anything has changed.

“I did so before and some of the teachers were concerned that not enough interest was being put into the institution. They didn’t have adequate materials to work with…so it is just something to keep the guys occupied. I understand that they now putting them out to various businesses but I don’t know how that is working out.

“But basically there are too many young boys in particular out on the streets without anything to do,” Mr Dawson lamented.

38 Responses to “Too many young men on the streets with nothing to do- Carl Dawson”

  • the rock (03/04/2017, 14:56) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need a tougher penalty for gun robbery--say 10yrs automatically if found guilty for that offence. BVI law makers stop pussy footing with the future of the islands and its young people. remember we don't export anything and we rely heavenly on the tourist that comes, tourist don't come, BVI in big, big trouble, I'm out!
    • bob marley (03/04/2017, 16:42) Like (1) Dislike (15) Reply
      "laws cause crime and violence"
    • I hope this helps (04/04/2017, 15:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You can tell the police that the man that robbed the Dawson Suprette at Lower Estate last week might live in Baughers Bay, investigate a tall about 6 feet, very dark skin, very thin man that drives a 'full black' Yamaha dirt bike. Ask him where he was around the time of the robbery. "I am tired of all this craziness in my country...everybody better report them, blog them, report them 'do something'"
  • concern (03/04/2017, 15:19) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VI (uK) needs a clean up campaign. Our first responsibility is to assist our young people who are desirous of working to them in getting a job and stop issuing all these work permits.A lot of these jobs our young ones can do. We have to stop these negative attitudes towards them. A lot of them are willing to work and earn their own money. Also, can we proove that it is only our young people commiting the crimes. Sure their are those among us who will like us to think that the Virgin Islands youths are criminals and lazy because it work well for them. We are caĺling on immigration and Labour to be proactive in saving our country and I have no prejudice against any one but this country is Tony it is time for a cap.
    .
  • one eye (03/04/2017, 15:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I know how he feels
  • talk is cheap (03/04/2017, 15:49) Like (2) Dislike (19) Reply
    Maybe if he had offered that same young man a job things would've been different
    • critic (03/04/2017, 23:20) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      You expect him to hire everyone in a little store? Didn't he say he trained young people when he was in the office, how much do you want one man to do? If you want to criticize, criticize the NDP for bringing everybody and their granny here when they know there is unemployment.
    • wow (04/04/2017, 16:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please! If that young thug wanted a job he would have made the choice to go do so. It's not all will be employed by government or other large corporations or business. But, they can start improving and establishing themselves by planting and selling food. We tend to find to much excuses as to why they not employed when it is the choices they make.
  • who feels it knows it (03/04/2017, 15:51) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    They only does speak out after them get hurt
  • snooze (03/04/2017, 15:53) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    One of the main problem about BVI society is that most natives just want to sit back and enjoy handouts. Yes, there's many people walking the streets, ,but the same way there's other people out there hustling with 2 or 4 jobs...cleaning and doing whatever little job they can find....IF THE OLD can work, why can't the young go out and find jobs??? Cause they are sitting waiting for someone to spoon feed them
    • and.... (03/04/2017, 16:54) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      Not just that... the older generation don't want to help the younger generation - they only want to protect themselves. They're stopping taxi licenses. They're stopping rental businesses. The young people are taught by their elders that they are from here and they should work for themselves but they don't allow them to do so....
    • Dally (03/04/2017, 17:31) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      A lot of those getting handouts are not natives, and you better believe that. BVI need to stop inviting people to live in poverty. Who does FSN support - very little locals.
  • big man (03/04/2017, 15:55) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
    The problem is these young guys chooses that style, because they just dont
    like hard work, stop kidding your self, the want money easy and plenty of it.

  • wow (03/04/2017, 16:01) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    there is work but those boys are lazy
  • Real Talk (03/04/2017, 16:18) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    You really feel higher gun penalty would work .Please check all the other countries gun crimes pabaltues are very high and so is the crime rate too
  • wize up (03/04/2017, 16:28) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    the paid bloggers will jump on me once more but such is life: I personally think the territory is being developed as a matter playground for the visitors: there is more that must be done for the people of these Virgin Islands; the voice of the people only matters just before an election.....
  • shark (03/04/2017, 16:39) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    well stop importing labor and start putting your own people to work,its that simple,you don't need a brain scientist to figure that out.
    • @shark (03/04/2017, 17:27) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      There is plenty work. Question is do they want to work. The problem is many work just long enough to get paid. Then they go and lime all day smokinget weed.

    • wize up (03/04/2017, 17:31) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ shark: before we can stop importing labor the education system will have to change: the department of labor must inform the education department which areas permit are being issued and a serious step taken to education our people in those areas: regulation is needed because some folks come to BVI on vacation and never leave: some folks comes to work then send for all their family members: there will always be a need for imported labor but gearing up our people to fill certain positions is key: you just cant hire a person simply because they are from BVI business owners look for the most suitable candidate.....
    • Pullock (03/04/2017, 19:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Once they out doing construction work they'll be too tired to theif. But is there enough work for locals & expats?
      Let's not act like who you for and last name doesn't play a role too.
  • boy (03/04/2017, 16:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    yo could tell it hit home
  • choices. (03/04/2017, 17:28) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Young men Doing nothing that's their choice.
  • Nicky (03/04/2017, 17:29) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply

    Wize Up, you are correct. When I graduated from high school, the head of a government department told me about a vacancy in her department and asked if I was interested. I told her yes and she saw to it that I got the proper training and I worked until I resigned and went into the private sector. There were two HR officers in Government from East End and they did the same with young people graduating from high school, but this type of courtesy is no longer extended. Government is importing unskilled labour and every business person is allowed to do the same. I saw an Asian in the news the other day holding up a sign offering "day trips to the Baths". Could you beat that. He was granted a work permit because that is a special skill no one in the BVI can do (:-). The BVI allow businesses to import people to do even the menial tasks because they could pay them less than the minimum wage and live like sardines in a tin. Not only is the BVI failing its youths, by inviting people to live in poverty, but we are also putting a strain on the infrastructure. Labour and Immigration must see what is happening and put a stop to it. They blame the Ministers who fail to let people they put in managerial positions to do their jobs, but if enough of us stand up there is not a damn thing the ministers could do because we are responsible for them being ministers. (Can the Minister of Labour fire everyone in the departments of labour and immigration?) It is time BVI stop issuing work permits for people to sit and stand on corners and do work which requires no skill.

    I observed something a few weeks ago. I saw two young men walking along the side walk which is used as a bus stop across from the round-about, one was dressed in a torn up blue jean and a black vest and the other was wearing a similar jean with a white tee. The following two mornings after I saw the same two guys crossing the street accross from Flow, and they were dressed in the same gears. That told me that they were new to the BVI and perhaps illegal immigrants too. I knew them by their clothes, so I cannot recognise them anymore, but they are probably now working while our youths cannot get jobs. Somebody has got to look into doing something.

  • BVIslander (03/04/2017, 18:16) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    I does wonder when u bloggers go on site if u analyse before.Negative blogs don't help,they are world wide and in so doing ur sending the wrong messages to those who care to visit our shores.please,please .Be more discreet before posting.
  • trrefdrfds (03/04/2017, 18:26) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not sure I understand this. I could bring someone from down island today and they will find a job in no time even with the hassle of a work permit and immigration. How come these young men who just have to find a job without these hassles are on the streets with nothing to do? Who should we blame? I know oh we can't work for that little bit ah money. During the seventies to to the late nineties and probably later, our people were taught that they should take jobs only from supervisor level, they had to be in charge..No outsider should be over them. It was advised that they be given accelerated promotion and salaries above non native. Certainly this is what we are reaping our young people...most of them don't want to work if they do it is for a short time. Most get their first pay cheque and do not return to work. It hurts me when it is said our people can't find work. They choose to rob and steal then we cry when they are sent to jail. My God!!!when are going to say it as it. We cry how islander people coming in and taking our jobs and we don't want to work. Please say it as it is our young men to lazy.
    • jump (04/04/2017, 09:53) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Maybe the expats get jobs b/c the employer wants a certain amount of control and leverage that their neighbor's cousin's kids won't guarantee.

      Regardless it is a FACT that it is easier for expats to get jobs in BVI than locals which is why the locals leave and find work elsewhere. Badmindedness is all
  • chad (03/04/2017, 20:44) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Strange I work with2 BVI landers young men I am an expat of 3 kids they cannot reach to work for 8 am they are at the job site for 8.30 or 9am when the go lunch instead if 1 hr it's 2 or more hr on the phone all the time they on personal calls when customers approach them they will tell them wait a few minutes I does just look on an said to my self if some of these blogger only know they will change they story
    • TAD (04/04/2017, 01:36) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      I could say the same about expats I work with because they like phones more than the makers. They will tell customers to hold on so they could answer their personal phones and they have several
  • wize up (03/04/2017, 20:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    since the leadership of HL Stoutt no other leader have put anything in place for us: one of the most significant developments for us as a progressive people was that college: without education we can not aspire and it is dreadful to be a second class citizen in your own country: I am saying very few BV Islanders can go into any other caribbean island or country and have easy of movement like what folks have while in this territory; we have folks working 2 and 3 jobs and paying no tax on most of that income: you have folks up in here without trade lisence and conducting business right in Road Town: our current leadership simply looking out for their friends because most of us do have that extra dollar to give them under the table: money have corrupted some of us and this includes the politicians. We will quicker spend money to save the sharks than make sure those funds are spent on an educational program
  • Captain Hook (03/04/2017, 20:48) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    THEM BOYS WANT TO LIME WHOLE DAY AND GET PAY. THERES A RHYME THAT GOES SO "RASTA MAN DONT WUK NO WAY, RASTA MAN DONT DRAW NO PAY..." AND SO ON; BUT MY POINT IS....these boys like to lime about, THEY LAZY, they dont want to work! alot of them just like to ride scooter and others like to do drugs....SOME EVEN DO BOTH....I THINK THE POLICE SHOULD LOCK ALL OF THEM BACKSIDE UP THAT LIMEING! IF YOU CANT WUK YOU CANT EAT....STOP LIVING AT HOME WITH YUH MOTHER AND FATHER OR WHOEVER ....STOP SMOKING WEED OR DOING DRUGS AND FIND A WUK!!! ....chups
  • weed (03/04/2017, 21:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    you speaking good karl
  • wize up (04/04/2017, 08:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    it is important for some of us to understand that we have more positive things happening in our country than the few negatives BUT one will not ready or hear the good stuff in the online news; radio or tv: there is so much good social things happening in the British Virgin Islands: we have young people from our country that continues to do well in educational institutions throughout the world BUT you won't read such good news: for every one young black brother that commits robberies; we have 9 other black brother doing the right: while a few young black brother violating our traffic laws we have 9 others going to school: we enjoy showcasing things which are negative and that will not change anytime soon: we have youth doing well but you won't ready that here(talk that)
  • Binocs (04/04/2017, 14:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Truth the problem is some of the young men here in the BVI want to be picking an choosing what jobs they want to do whether they have the skills or the education to do them or not. God forbid someone from another island comes with the experience and knowledge and getting paid more, as they old people say you would hear dey "onfong: The majority of them are out of high school and have not bothered to try and further their education. Employers are looking for people with potential.
  • Sycorax (07/04/2017, 10:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There's too much 'easy money' available to kids who don't have the training to enter the workforce right now- need a couple hundred?- sell an ounce, make a delivery. Then, some of our kids are raised to believe that because they bahn heah, they shouldn't work for down-islanders. On top of that, there is that wrong 'work smart/not hard' ethic all over the west. The hard work of building, growing or repairing things can be extremely rewarding work and we never say that to our kids.

    The work permit situation is also an issue; our kids don't have training- one company brought in down island taxi drivers a couple of years ago...TAXI DRIVERS??? how does that happen? Why don't we have a taxi driver/customer relations training program for our kids? A truckdriver program? Apprentice programmes for heavy machinery operators? Apprentice programmes for tour boats? Apprentice programmes for auto and appliance repair? We can involve existing businesses by giving them tax breaks.

    Our community is growing rapidly and we are not engaged in our own future. We need to change our thinking and that starts at home, in the community at large and in our schools. We must think of our future.
  • 111 (07/04/2017, 19:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We must reverse this trend .


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