BVI youths missing out on marine careers, says industry veteran
Young Virgin Islanders are missing opportunities in the territory’s marine sector because many leave school without the skills or experience that charter companies require, marine industry veteran Compton Wintz has said.
Speaking at a marine career workshop hosted by Julian Willock and the Third District Committee, Wintz called for practical training to begin while students are still attending school, allowing them to gain experience with marine businesses before graduation.
“You have to start this programme in the school,” Wintz stated. “By the time you finish high school, you are already in a job.”
He said companies that work with students for two years would have time to assess their abilities and determine whether they could become permanent members of their organisations.
“You can’t wait until you finish school, then come and look for a job,” Wintz stated.
He identified mechanics, rigging, fibreglass work, electronics, refrigeration, air conditioning, customer service, inventory management, yacht cleaning, dinghy repair and dock operations among the services required by charter companies.
Wintz said applicants without recognised skills or previous experience would generally have to enter the industry through lower-paying positions and work their way upwards.
“If you don’t have a skill, you’ll have to start from the bottom [earning] $10, $11 an hour,” Wintz stated. “You want to start big, but you don’t have the skill set.”
He said young workers must also remain persistent, even when companies initially reject their applications or ask them to return later.
The BVI has previously pursued programmes intended to increase local participation in the sector. In 2019, Cabinet agreed that trained BVIslanders and Belongers should receive first preference for marine jobs and proposed up to $500,000 annually to subsidise certification courses. In 2024, the government said it was considering expanded marine training through H Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Wintz said he began working at The Moorings in 1986 or 1987 and remained there for 32 years, eventually becoming operations manager for Sunsail. He said he later joined Navigare Charters as country manager after someone recommended him.
“I started from the bottom. And I’m up there,” Wintz stated.
He urged participants to learn the industry, develop recognised skills and pursue available opportunities instead of depending on others to secure employment.
Wintz said a former school-based programme had helped produce skilled mechanics and other marine professionals. He estimated that between 250 and 300 students graduate from high school in an average year and asked: “What are they doing?”
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man hush up all the services listed can be taught on the job as an apprentice
The most important skill the schools should be teaching is discipline, class doors close at start time, no exceptions, no late entry. Businesses can not run without disciplined employees who arrive on time ready to work. No exceptions; couldn’t get a ride is not an exception!
The Industry is being managed and supervised by individuals from one of the most racist countries ever. What opportunities can any local youth get?
Hush your muttersk**t
The truth always hurt.
As a tourism-based economy, more locals should be involved in the marine industry because it is one of the pillars of our success.
But we cannot ignore the fact that some young people may feel intimidated entering industries where many supervisors and trainers are expatriates. That is why early exposure matters.
Bringing back Saturday jobs, along with apprenticeships and mentorship programmes, would help students gain experience, build confidence, and see clear pathways into the industry while still in school.
If we are serious about increasing local participation, we must start developing talent early. The more opportunities young people have to learn, work, and grow, the less we will need to look abroad to fill positions that Virgin Islanders are fully capable of holding themselves.
It is the local talent that made the moorings and the industry the giant it is today. But back then, we had strong enforcement to give locals a fair chance.
If anyone would like to sponsor our programs, this is what we provide. Our founders have over 40 years in the BVI marine industry, are qualified instructors. Just need funding to provide low cost programs to BVI Youth. Email [email protected]
40 years…stop it.The only watersport company was Boardsailing bvi..I was there.Bviwatersports is a baby on the block.Thanks for offering your services..putting a foot forward is a great start.