UWP Criticises Government Over Youth Unemployment 

In a recent roundtable discussion hosted by the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), youth representatives voiced their deep concerns about the urgent need for the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government to address the critical issue of youth unemployment.

The UWP’s newly introduced representative for Castries Central, Rosh Clarke, youth member Joshua Harrow, and host Therold Prudent, participated in the discussion.

Rosh Clarke admitted to progress on the issue of youth unemployment but declared there was need for much more to be done.

“I strongly believe that they’ve scratched the surface, but they’ve never gotten to the points that matter,” Clarke said.

He acknowledged that the government had created openings for young entrepreneurs and provided institutional funding support.

However, Clarke noted that many youths still face significant barriers. “We need to get down to the grassroots of it all,” Clarke argued.

He added that many young people do not receive follow-up support after the initial funding stages, leaving them feeling disillusioned and frustrated.

The SLP government introduced the Youth Economy Agency to assist young people in starting and improving their businesses.

Nevertheless, Joshua Harrow expressed skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of this initiative, likening it to “the iceberg that sank the Titanic.”

Joshua stated that while the Youth Economy Agency is a positive step, the government has overlooked the deeper needs of young entrepreneurs.

“It takes years of development, a strong team, a strong network, and proper financing in order to run a business,” Harrow said.

He proposed that the government create networks to connect businesses with similar interests and establish mentorship programs for sustainable development.

Additionally, he suggested that young entrepreneurs receive certification in their skills to provide alternate employment opportunities while building their businesses.

Both Clarke and Harrow stressed the importance of a more holistic approach to supporting young entrepreneurs, focusing not just on startup funding but also on long-term mentorship and skill development.

Harrow recommended a phased funding approach, where businesses receive financial support in stages as they grow, ensuring sustainability rather than short-term fixes.

The discussion highlighted a growing sentiment within the UWP that while the government has made strides, its current efforts are insufficient to fully address the complex issue of youth unemployment.

Both Clarke and Harrow called for more targeted, grassroots solutions that can help young people build and sustain successful careers and businesses.