Riviere Cyrique, Dominica (TDN)
Years ago, Dominica boasted of a thriving Junior Secondary School Program (JSP), where students who chose to would embark on vocational training taking on tasks such as plumbing, electricals, mechanical, carpentry, masonry and other such disciplines.
Many people believed that it served the country well because there were a number of schoolchildren, in particular, who may not have been gifted academically but who would take on the challenge to as it were ‘work with their hands.’
For years those who graduated from the program went on to become the more successful small business owners on the island. Others went on to neighbouring countries where they found gainful employment carrying out their trade.
However, much to the surprise of many, the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government abolished the programs and with it the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of thousands of young people in Dominica. The effect of this colossal failure by government is now evident.
Young men have taken to spending their days on the roadside sitting idly for days on end. Others escape to neighbouring countries where they embark, unfortunately, sometimes on a life of crime. Yet others become frustrated with society and end up either on the streets or at mental hospitals.
Recently, and understanding the need to reverse this worrying trend among the youth the United Workers Party (UWP) embarked on a Skills Training Program. Spearheaded in the Southeast of the Island, the program aims to offer several weeks of training to young people in electricals, plumbing and small appliance repairs. It will gradually be extended to other parts of the Island.
When the program kicked off in Riviere Cyrique in March 2025, fifteen young people signed up to attend at zero cost to them. Today training continues under the tutelage of some of the leading talents in those areas, themselves having graduated from the JSP program over twenty-five years ago.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be awarded certificates and opportunities will be sought to provide apprenticeships and otherwise secure work for them in their areas of training.
Editors Note: The United Workers Party (UWP) is the leading opposition party in Dominica and was last in government from 1995 to 2000. Its Political Leader is former IMF Economist Dr. Thomson Fontaine.
