Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has told the House of Assembly that young Virgin Islanders are encountering systematic obstacles to finding work in their own country.
At a youth forum roughly a month ago, Penn heard joblessness identified as the foremost worry among young men and women. He described their frustration: applications to government roles go unanswered, and those who do receive replies are denied interview opportunities.
The charter sector emerged as a key concern. Young locals aspire to become captains and study the necessary qualifications at college, Penn explained, yet overseas workers are being hired instead. Reports suggest the industry is importing 20 workers each day, Penn noted, while questioning how trade licences and work permits are being distributed when Virgin Islanders remain excluded from these same positions.
"We have to ensure that we build a Virgin Islands for Virgin Islanders that live here," Penn told legislators.
Young people in the territory feel disconnected from their home and believe meaningful work is out of reach, Penn warned, citing conversations he has with constituents regularly. His office has begun intervening directly: staff help jobseekers refine their résumés and prepare them for interviews to boost their prospects.
"They want to work," Penn said. "But far too often they're not getting the opportunities, and we have to fix that. People are struggling."
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