The role of youth in national development remains essential. Young people bring fresh, innovative ideas, showcasing new ways of thinking and operating that can change industries and sectors. So, what would young people change if they were the Prime Minister for a term? This question was posed to a wide pool of youth to gain insights into what they would improve.
These insights were collected through responses on social media platforms and through meeting youth in the digital spaces they frequent, where they often share their ideas. The study did not focus only on Saint Lucian responses but gathered insights from youth across the Caribbean, since many challenges are shared region-wide. It also allowed anonymity for those more comfortable sharing that way.
Housing
Among the most frustrating issues for those surveyed were housing-related challenges. Economic hurdles, including unemployment and underemployment, make buying or renting property financially difficult.
Respondents offered innovative solutions to these challenges. For example, Rany Horne, a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines native living in Trinidad, said he would implement a national land lottery for top-performing students. A land lottery is a system where governments distribute land parcels to applicants through a random draw. Horne believes scholastic excellence should be the main criterion for this draw.
“This would reward academic achievement and provide young people with a tangible asset to start their future,” he said.
Kimberly Mathurin from Saint Lucia believes more should be done to aid single parents. As Prime Minister, she would subsidise low-income housing for families.
“I would build different apartments where single parents or parents who do not make enough money to stay in, and I pay most of the rent. So if the rent is 900 EC, I will be paying 600 and they will pay the rest,” she said.
Health Care
Public health care is another serious concern. Many Caribbean citizens leave their countries for territories in the Global North in search of better care, prompting these suggestions:
“At public hospitals, clearly display the real cost of treatments and services, alongside how much the government subsidises. Many citizens do not realise how heavily healthcare is funded by taxpayers. Increased awareness could encourage more responsible use of medical services,” said Horne.
“I’d implement a national healthcare insurance policy similar to Taiwan to ensure that the majority of the population has access to quality healthcare irrespective of socio-economic status,” noted Saint Lucian Aliyah Albertson.
Crime
Studies by the International Monetary Fund show that large amounts of public and private capital are diverted from productive investments such as education, health, and infrastructure into security, policing and criminal justice, placing an economic burden on citizens.
Respondents suggested many initiatives to fight and prevent crime. Horne called for a structured rotation system where officers are periodically transferred between districts and stations. He said this would reduce corruption and overfamiliarity with criminal networks, and improve police accountability. He also believes more staffing is needed at national ports to prevent the smuggling of contraband.
Beyond policing, a respondent who simply wanted to be known as Harvey believes that with “more youth programs, sports mentorship and job pathways, when young men have direction and income, crime drops naturally”.
Transportation
Across the islands, transportation challenges, especially in public transport, have been a vexing issue. These problems reduce productivity, as commuting from Point A to B can be a time-consuming task.
In this regard, the youth believe simple yet impactful solutions can make transportation easier. For example, an anonymous respondent from Saint Lucia said she would implement government-owned public transportation to make travel more convenient. This concept exists in some Caribbean territories, where buses depart regularly from terminals, allowing commuters to plan ahead. However, this would still be challenging without better roads, more reliable public transport, and improved internet across the island, as Harvey suggested.
Employment
Employment and unemployment rates are often key statistics in economic growth reports. While these figures vary across the region, creative ways to improve employment would benefit any Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
Harvey believes developing creative industries and niche markets will provide many opportunities for young people in youth-friendly jobs.
“Too many people rely on limited sectors,” he said. “I’d push hard to grow creative industries like photography, music, digital content and tech services, and small businesses. That means funding young entrepreneurs, cutting red tape, and making it easier to start and run a business. Someone with a camera or a skill shouldn’t struggle to turn it into real money.”
Harvey did not just focus on the end product. He noted that education reform to increase employability in these sectors is mandatory.
“Education reform, not just academics, but real-life skills, such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, should be added. School should prepare you to earn, not just pass exams. I’d also strengthen trade programs so being a skilled electrician, mechanic, or builder is just as respected and as profitable as other fields.”
Conclusion
Ultimately, youth believe governments should do more to protect the population’s interests rather than appeasing international partners, friends, or family. While they may not be in a position to change policies, youth are willing contributors to the national discourse.
