Unemployment not the cause of crime in BVI, Premier asserts
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he does not believe a lack of employment opportunities is the cause of crime in the Territory.
During the second sitting of the second session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Thursday, February 13, Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn questioned the government’s plan to address rising unemployment, particularly among young people. He expressed concern over a possible correlation between increasing joblessness and crime.
“The territory is currently grappling with a wave of criminal activity that involves a number of young people,” Walwyn stated. “It cannot be denied that a lack of job opportunities can be one of the factors that affect crime in a country.”
He further noted that a considerable number of young people remain unemployed.
However, Premier Wheatley rejected this notion, citing the high volume of work permits issued annually.
“I must categorically reject the concept that a lack of jobs in the Virgin Islands is the cause of criminality,” he stated. “On average, the Virgin Islands issues between ten thousand and eleven thousand work permits a year.”
He added that many of these positions could be filled by interested locals.
“Many of these jobs can be filled by locals who have the attitude, aptitude, skills, and character to add value to a place of employment,” he said.
The Premier emphasised that crime stems from multiple societal issues beyond employment.
“The breakdown of the family, the eroding of the moral fabric of society, the lure of fast money, and a luxurious lifestyle all contribute to the challenge of crime,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
Our kids are entitled
The Premier also suggested that young people have been given a false sense of entitlement.
“We continue to send young people the message that everything must be given to them and that if the government does not give them a job, then it is a license to commit crime,” he added.
While Walwyn clarified that he was not blaming unemployment as the sole cause of crime, he maintained that many young people remain jobless.
Dr. Wheatley revealed that the Department of Labour and Workforce Development is finalising a job readiness programme aimed at equipping residents with skills to meet the demands of the local economy.
“The programme will focus on developing soft and technical skills and career preparation through training modules, workshops, and online learning,” the Premier said.
“By investing in the development of our workforce, the department will not only prepare individuals for immediate job opportunities but also equip them with the ability to navigate and drive future economic demands,” he added.
The framework is in its final stages of completion.
Consider reviving Youth Unemployment Services Programme
However, Walwyn argued that the approach lacks urgency and urged the Premier to revisit a programme he implemented during his tenure as Minister of Education.
“The situation requires a much more urgent response,” Walwyn insisted. “I remember when I served as Education Minister, there was a very successful programme called the Youth Unemployment Services Programme.”
He encouraged the Premier to consider reviving it. In response, Wheatley acknowledged that it was a concept worth building upon.
Dr. Wheatley also announced that the government will hold a long-awaited crime summit in March to address the rising crime rate and youth involvement in criminal activities.
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If big people in the BVi act entitled how you expect the kids to act?
Correct. It is because it has been built into our culture and is celebrated by having pictures of criminals in our HOA. We have no leaders except may be for Stacey Mather, and no other politicians who condemn the actions of others engaged in crime.
If it is to do with employment it is because criminal activities, smuggling and drug smuggling are the true third pillar of the VI. Add that to our First Pillar the financial services money laundering service I think we can see it is built into the cultural make up of the VI and are young people are just getting on with business. Business as usual.
I just read this article. The Premier deliberately tries to deflect questions. The answer he gave was not to the question asked by Hon. Walwyn. The questions asked by the opposition really shows how much trouble we are in.
Dah! But Myron is right, and premiere Wheatley had the gall to allude to luxurious lifestyle portrayed to cause crime among young people, when premiere Wheatley gave vybz Kartel quarter million USD ($250,000.00) to bling bling and dup two criminal poetry on stage, what you think young people saying is it not worth it working hard and fools can give you easy money? Myron is thorn because he is on the right path while other members romanticize going to Asia and go see kangaroos.
The Premier is correct, Crime is full time employment in the BVI and it’s very well paid too
Crime is a popular career choice in the BVI for those with a short lifespan.
There is currently 305 jobs listed on the government’s Labour Management System
https://lms.gov.vg/Home
Site is terrible
Sorry to say but Hon. Premier is totally correct here. For too long we gave locals the impression that only ‘certain’ jobs are for them. That may have worked 20 years ago but clearly we have not adopted well to the changing landscape when it comes to skilled, attitude etc. required for certain jobs. While there’s unfairness in some sectors, overall a lot of persons are just not interested and would rather stay on the side complaining and being a victim. The irony here is that when Myron was a Minister he clearly stated in HOA that Government cannot make laws just for locals and that people just adopt and understand that businesses have an interest as well. Now he is on the Opposition he is pandering and talking foolishness. How many locals does Myron have at his restaurants and law firm?
You really need to google some brains before you post
If you read the article you would see that that Natalio did not answer the question Myron asked. He answered what he wanted to answer to switch the topic to get minions like you to say the crap that you are now saying. Myron said that unemployment is one of the factors that affect crime in a country. Isn’t that a true statement? That is different from saying that the cause of crime in the BVi is unemployment. Ayo need to stop being so simple mehson. Reading and comprehending is the biggest problem our people have.
Secondly, can Natalio pass laws just for BVislanders? The country has changed but many of us are too silly to realize it. There is now a human rights chapter of the constitution which outlaws discrimination. So if you make a law for BVislanders alone that law will be discriminatory. And isn’t it the same Natalio that is bringing all the laws to let the Police do locals and others what they want? Isn’t it Natalio that is bringing all the laws from the COI to disinherit BVIslanders. Did you read the new crown lands Act? You better stop being a moo moo and learn sense.
Some of you seem to want to sit down in your ignorance forever before you learn sense.
Okay you are clearly an emotional Myron cheerleader, calm down. I totally agree with what the poster said. Can you answer what the poster asked? How many locals does the rep who is a businessman employ?
No man you can not use work permits to say there is local employment surplus. They are occupying entry level jobs and driving the price of work down and take licks because someone holds their permit. There’s people who get a trade license and the first person they hire is someone from another country.
even with jobs available have you seen the cost of living
the price of rent increasing everytime you see one advertised.
no price control
job can’t fix that even with it you can’t make a living
Make the BVI Great Again,get rid of your liberal politicians!!
Look work
A convicted felon picture should be removed from the HOA – Andrew picture
What message are you sending to the young people from the highest office of the land
2. So called society people( no integrity) go to jail and come back with no sense os shame.
In fact the family members are upset with the system for teaching them a lesson instead of the perpetrators
3. Illegal activitie is the third pilliar of the BVI
4. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, cl ohse friends will know of wrong doing in their families and sweep it under the rug.
5. Yes there are criminal activities
That is why he wants independence to do his own black poeple as he likes
Blame colonialism for having an incarcerated Premier help up proudly in the HOA
What an embarrassment and example