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Youth & Capital

Dickson C. Igwe. Photo: VINO/File
Dickson C. Igwe

The story of capital and social inequality offers the assertion that in a world ruled by capital, it is imperative young Virgin Islanders and residents understand economics and finance.

Understanding capital offers insight into the why of social and wealth inequality, and further offers knowledge and an advantage in how to build individual, corporate, and communal wealth, which drives Virgin Islands' prosperity. Wealth and capital are synonyms. The quality of capital and its management decides the standard of living and quality of life.

Furthermore, economics and finance- the study of capital and economic growth- are the route to wealth, for the younger generation, in a world driven by capital, therefore enabling young people to build a prosperous future.

Ideas of mixed economy and socialism are useful as models of governance, in as much as both offer alternative routes to a wholesome society where government and community as opposed to private individuals own capital on behalf of society. Pure capitalism remains the most ubiquitous and prevailing idea, notwithstanding.

OK. For youth to engage with society, understanding how capital and finance works is not optional. An understanding of business and capital will offer insight into the macro environment in which the financial services and tourism industry is situated. That will further the vision of what will continue to grow the Virgin Islands industry from which all young people will benefit.

A workforce – skilled and unskilled, educated and manual- that understands at the most elementary how the economy works at the macro level will better understand how financial services and tourism affect the Virgin Islands at the micro, when employed by these industries. The micro is the ‘’nitty gritty:’’ the microscopic, what happens when the rubber hits the road.

Developing financial and business literacy at an early age offers advantages for both individuals and the community. A business-oriented education simply means adding business learning to the wider subject field. Teaching the basics of economics, investment, and financial management, is a great start for all young people. It places their passions and learning into a business mold. Every skill and profession is a business.

The relationship with money decides the standard of living and quality of life.  In a society that depends on trade, financial services, and tourism for its economic existence, business learning should be in the DNA of all learning.

Saving and investing are disciplines that when adopted early make life navigable, in a world where capital rules. There is no escaping the reality that capital drives modern society.

Therefore, knowledge of how capital works is imperative. Understanding how cash and debt are created; investing and saving; why debt is central to an economy; how debt drives banking and finance; debt capital as cash flow and driver of local business; bank capitalization; demand and supply; growth and recession; deficit and surplus and more; provides the country with a well-equipped, business savvy, and efficient workforce. That is only a good thing.

8 Responses to “Youth & Capital”

  • pat (11/11/2023, 12:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We in a capitalist society what else can we expect
  • resident (11/11/2023, 13:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Reading this in balance in society put a real humbug on many’s Christmas spirit.
  • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (11/11/2023, 16:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is all you have to know about this ivory tower type: "Ideas of mixed economy and socialism are useful as models of governance, in as much as both offer alternative routes to a wholesome society where government and community as opposed to private individuals own capital on behalf of society." Yeah, see Cuba and Venezuala for examples of how well that formula has worked out, as well as the wester European social democracies, all of which have youth unemployment that exceed 20% and are economic basket-cases.
  • ANOTHER ENLIGHTENING EXPERIENCE (11/11/2023, 20:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    BUT NOT EVERYBODY WILL OVERSTAND THE MESSAGE / AND THEN THERE ARE THOSE WHO DWELL WITH XENOPHOBIA SO WE EXPECT A NEGATIVE RESPONCE KEEP ON TELLING IT AS IT IS BRO / WE ONLY LIVE ONCE
  • Bush Professor (12/11/2023, 07:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It takes money to make money and it also takes financial education and literacy to make money, ie, to use debt and taxes to build wealth, generational wealth. Financial illiteracy is costly. Consequently, basic finance should be added to BVI high schools curriculum . For many BVI residents, the little ( a little knowledge can be dangerous) we think we know about money and finance we learn on the street. Students must be taught about savings, different type of saving vehicles, banking, investing and not just in stocks and bonds, compounding and power of compounding if started at an early age. We must learn about finance not just for business management but for life and living.
    V/r
    Graduate of Manda Sdhool
    • Quiet Storm (12/11/2023, 09:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      To professor, teach, teach, ie, each one teach one; each one help one. Thanks for breaking it down for duncy heads as me can get it. KISS ( Keep it simple for the stupid). Wish they had basic finance in high school when I was in school instead of Columbus’ ships lack of good that did me. The little West Indian history taught was watered down, sanitized and colonialists centered. Hon Sherie de Castro, AtL, strongly consider adding finance to the curriculum, if not already done so. Did we not add an additional year to high school so it should be able to easily fit in the curriculum. The next generations of Virgin Islanders should not be going through life floundering and floundering to find their financial footing, continuing to be exploited and missing opportunities. Further, also add healthy living to the curriculum; our people are living and looking unhealthy.
  • Food for thought (12/11/2023, 16:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The big mistake some people make is to think that economy and standard of living are the only determinants for the the quality of one's life. There are so many wealthy people who are unhappy, unhealthy and miserable. You wouldn't want to be in their shoes, if it came with millions, unless that is, if you do not value your soul.
  • Change required (13/11/2023, 12:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The element you are missing Sir is that the current capitalist system is wholly reliant on unconstrained growth. The securityo of our presence on this planet is wholly reliant on sustainable development, which is counter to unconstrained growth.
    So, for 'the youth': understand the current system, understand its benefits, but most importantly understand its flaws and fight for a different future. I recommend Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth as a great starting point of how we have got to where we are, and how we can drive change hat will put EVERYONE in a place of wellbeing


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