The global youth unemployment rate, estimated at 12.6 per cent in 2013, is close to its crisis peak, 73 million young people are estimated to be unemployed in 2013 (International Labour Commission). Some countries have experienced improvement over the last fiscal year, some have stagnated and some have worsened significantly. In the absence of recent data for Dominica, we may conclude that Dominica’s youth unemployment is one which has risen significantly. Our young people confidence continues to dwindle in their quest to find jobs.
Young people are significant assets—as a catalyst for development- for whom employment must be found. Youth have the potential to positively shape the landscape of the national economy, as well as social, cultural, technological and political development. They play key roles either as workers, innovators, and agent of change. We acknowledge that and aim to have one graduate per household by year 1015 but that should be accompanied by job creation.
We may have concluded that the increased government spending on capital projects would have stimulated the economy, but to our disappointment, campaign promises of jobs remain dramatically unfulfilled. Instead, joblessness keeps rising because of a stagnant economy which may not take flight anytime soon. We have also seen the absence of a promised job agency which is meant to help contribute to job recruitment and deal with job related issues.
The economy has been so sorry that university graduates are finding a tough time to assume even basic jobs. With the civil service not actively recruiting new entrants, job seekers turn to a ‘limping’ private sector. Saddled with high capital and operational costs and discouraged by too few incentives, the productive sector has remained stubbornly sluggish thus being unable to absorb the growing unemployed class.
What good can come of any economy when a sizeable chunk of young people are unemployed? There may be a number of negative consequences, among which is a frustrated group of young people. With job salvation not forthcoming, it may be compelling that some of these persons may venture into the risky ‘underground economy’ to commission income generation activities, this includes scams and the illicit drug trade.
Where, one may ask, are the sunny days across the hills on their way to roll away this cloud of youth unemployment away? The answer lies in ‘national economic vision’. We must find our way back on the road of productivity and competitiveness. The public and private sector must receive an injection or boost to get us back into our own production. The administration must ride the stimulus pedals, race to progress, and demonstrate that there is a clear and visionary path of sustainable economic development for our youth in the Nature Isle.
Furthermore, we may have to redefine our education and training systems. We should get more people into vocational and technical training. By training our young people to be innovative, they will be able to create jobs for themselves. We have become too academic to a point where we study without thinking of application. At this juncture, the skills demanded in the labour market must include technical training. We need more skilled workers, plumbers, electricians and carpenters to name a few. We should also make agriculture more attractive and to get younger people involved.
The biggest challenge in this regard should continue to be vocational training coupled with the provision of initial work experiences. This approach addresses two of the primary causes of youth unemployment: lack of experience and lack of training. The impact of vocational training should be maximized through the use of strategies for targeting and inter-agency cooperation taking a comprehensive approach (by combining training with internships and support for job placement) based on agreements (basically between training entities and firms) and supported by stringent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The Dominica State College can maybe take the lead in that regard.
It is necessary to understand that entrepreneurship is about growth, creativity and innovation, the pursuit of goals beyond our current resources and has a crucial role to play in resolving the problems of youth unemployment. If young people are to participate in the work force, the onus is also on them to be positive and innovative. Note though, while it is easy to call of them to be more self-reliant, we must also acknowledge that the lack of initial capital and a sluggish economy make self-employment very difficult.
Youth unemployment is not simply a problem of its own, but it is a national problem for the future that will incur a huge socio-economic burden. The failure of young people to get into the job market in time will hamper the fostering of human resources of the nation and weaken the foundation for sustained growth. Therefore it is very important that we invest in youth development to abate the negative consequences while we encourage them to stay on our shores to make their national contribution.
Mr. Francis is a professional carpenter as he hits the nail on the head every time. The beauty of this article is that it presents possible solutions to the problems identified. This is the path we should follow if we are serious about nation building instead of just identifying what is wrong and criticizing all effort undertaken. Bravo Joshua.
well i hope that number,does not include,those youths that want fast money,that rather sell drugs,so that they can have the most girls,fast bikes,suv,high class cars,because if my knowlege serves me right,the government had an agriculture initiative,where by you could get land for a dollar a year,i mean if so, that is employment,better yet self employment,and they also providing the market for the produce to.
Well said Joshua! Keep these great articles coming.
Good job Francis. You have my vote. I am registered and waiting
we she will eat the pocket
WHERE is Dr Benjiman?
LOOK hugwash?
SHAME SHAME SHAME
MAKES NO SENSE
WHERE are the data to support your contention on Dominica’s poor economic performances
Your article lacks credibility as an academic you ought to have known better
shame that you “taught us” LOL ( if I can say that ) as a text addicted machine, I expect some statistics from credible sources but alas….
Why the rush into politics and you not going to win neither your party, who forcing you into that, sad sad sad, is it advertisement, well people with bucks did that and what was d result…bankruptcy,,,,they will mince your pocket
Where is your data to prove he is not going to win? Are you planning on stuffing the ballot boxes?
Okay young people read and open your eyes and ears. Take note of what is being said and act accordingly. At last we have a voice in the house.
I wish paragraph #7 was in bold, more specifically …”We have become to academic”
Very good article, question is what can we do about it?
The private sector should meet to discuss andshare moe ideas;after all, 80% of all employed is from private.
When the govt would truly be our puppet and not the other way round.
sorry for typos
*more
*then
why all of a sudden joshua francis?because you want to be the next mp for roseau south?
Is he not Dominican? Is that right only conferred upon you and insultive and arrogant Skerrit?
Good article my good friend, however I must outline some statements made by you mr.francis and ask some questions I am hoping you will answer when I do meet you face to face…
1. You say here: “By training our young people to be innovative, they will be able to create jobs for themselves.”
my question to you and persons in high power who may read it is this : HOW CAN THEY CREAT JOBS FOR THEMSELVES WHEN THEY ARE PRESSED BY THE LOAN OFFICERS AND WHEN SEEKING FINANCIAL AID THEY ARE SCRUTINIZED SO MUCH BEFORE BEING GIVEN LESS OF GOOD REULTS OR NEGATIVE RESPONCES (ALSO THERE IS A HIGH LEVLE OF “PULL-STRING” AND FAVORATISUM IN PLACES WHERE THEY MUST GO TO MAKE A START FOR THEMSELVES)… thus making it even more difficult.
2. You state : “We need more skilled workers, plumbers, electricians and carpenters to name a few.”
REALLY? WHEN THOSE THAT ARE ALREADY THERE ARE ON A RISE OF “UNDER THE RADAR” PROTEST BEACUSE THE GOVERNMENTS INVEST IN “HELP” FORM OTHER COUNTRIES AND THE “HELP” BRINGS WITH THEM, THIER WORKERS TO DO ANY JOB… CARPENTERY, PLUBINGS,SKILLED WORKERS, JUST TO NAME A FEW… SO HOW CAN WE ADD MORE TO WHAT IS ALREADY HANGING ON A THIN STRING??
3.You say : “We should also make agriculture more attractive and to get younger people involved.”
OK, LETS TRY THAT, BUT WAIT IS AGRICULTURE REALLY IMPORTANT TO THE PERSONS RUNNING THE COUNTRY? CAUSE IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE IT HAS TAKEN THE BACK BURNER (ALMOST GONE COMPLETELY) AND THE SOLE FOCUS IS ONLY ON TOURISM WHICH AS FAR AS I SEE IS HELPING THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO RISE…HOW MANY TOUR GUIDES CAN WE HAVE??HOW MANY VENDORS SHOULD BAYFRONT BE FLOODED WITH?? AND NOT TO MENTION THE UNCOUNTABLE AMOUNT OF TAXI DRIVERS…
I say all this to say: young people are indeed pressured by the rate of unemployment that surpasses all problem in this country… it is very serious and no political party/organization/private & public sector has YET to take steps in solving this problem that continues to raise and the days pass… Mr. Francis – you are my friend. GOOD article. BUT I yet to see in this article what contribution you will be making to help solve this problem in Dominica. DON’T JUST STATE THE PROBLEM AND THE FACTS TO SURPORT IT. STATE WAYS YOU CAN/PLAN TO HELP SOLVE IT. Give us young people some form of hope…. smh
PS. your past student…
Sir always have a crack so what do you expect see the deepness in his eyes scary…….
not my favourite
sir am a young person and this is what Ive been saying all along this country of ours has lost its way in connection with the youth and what is needed for them to be part of national development. we focus only on academics not technical and this is a major problem in Dominica that’s why the country is stagnant today. Your vision is the way out for us and with hard work together CHANGE IS A MUST NOT AN OPTION.
Look here, Mr. Francis, if this is one of your strategies for publicity to challenge the incumbent for Roseau South, save yourself the embarrassment.
The man is an institution in Roseau South, and the likes of you CANNOT dismantle that institution.
Did you even read the article ? Did he ever talk about challenging the incumbent any where in this article ? He is making very valid points speaking to the critical issue of unemployment. Read and understand.
Did you even read the comment? how come we never heard anything from Mr. Francis, about anything, until he declared he might be challenging Ambrose…
I will be voting in New Town, Not for Ambrose George but for Mr Francis, so let us just wait for polling day
timely and relevant information on youth and unemployment. Brilliant piece.
Interesting piece Joshua,
The first half was a bit of a rambling statement of the obvious.. however towards the end you found your footing and got to the meat of the matter.
Be careful not to become too much of a politician keep you eye focused on the plight of the people ..as I know they are.
Brilliant article Joshua, you are ahead on the issues, we hope that our people are listening well including the politicians.
It it rumored, Mr. Joshua Francis will be the candidate on behalf of the UWP in the Roseau South Constituency. If this commentary is an indication of what to expect, certainly Skerrit must have a serious problem in the South.
Good article but Brian Allyn said that integrity includes morality so when he decides to run he will be scrutinized accordingly. Until such time we will just read his articles.
@Doc Love – Agreed!! A very serious problem to add unto his already overladen and cracking wooden wagon of serious problems.
Alas, the ‘cow’ that pulling that wagon should go on an immediate and indefinite strike right about now.
Dem drinking the ‘cow’ milk, dem giving the ‘cow’ overladen wagon to pull…………….(awa wii)…
Moooooooooooo!!! Moooooooooooooo!!!!
Mr.Joshua we are still waiting on you and your wife I hope that you a in conversation with the UWP administration and especially Lennox we need you guys to help to bring back sanity into the Governing of the Government of Dominica and the Constitution and of cause the rule of law, we just can’t keep going down the pit with our eyes open We have to start holding individuals accountable young people deserve much better.This Govt have forced our young people into crime so they could survive which is wrong and it’s shamefull.
Why should a man wait on his wife to be led into battle. A man should lead and his wife should follow. What is this world coming to.
What is the unemployment situation in the USA, the land of milk and honey?
I hope Lennox and Skerrit reading that.
Great article … We need Intelligent ,wise , honest and trustworthy men like this in power… Give the youth some hope
Well said.
What Joshua can do to help is take some of your asset, take a loan and start a business and employ a few more people. Government cannot and will not employ everyone.
Joshua, I hope you take this lead and other Dominicans as well