Issues
Priority Issues
There are many issues facing our community, but as your representative, I have identified several key priorities that I believe require immediate attention
01
Ignite Positive Change In Youth
Young people have been grappling with a sense of aimlessness. They struggle to find outlets for learning and personal development outside the confines of the traditional classroom. Without easily accessible avenues for hands-on learning or mentorship opportunities outside of a traditional academic setting, many of our youths find themselves at a loss, unsure of where to find guidance or carve their own paths toward fulfillment and success, and this poses a broader challenge to our community’s future prospects. Giving the youth mentorship, skill-building, and leadership opportunities is essential for their personal growth and is a topic Selwyn is most passionate about.
02
Fostering Community Safety
There has been a noticeable rise in criminal activity within our community, and its effects are widespread. Residents are finding it increasingly challenging to navigate a world that is becoming tougher by the day, and our youth is taking the brunt of the burden. Prices continue to increase, and entry-level jobs are few and far between or require more rigorous qualifications. This combination of factors drives those in desperate need of financial aid or educational guidance to turn to criminal activity to survive and make ends meet. This problematic situation is placing considerable strain on our entire community. We must fight crime by building strong community bonds and tackling issues like poverty and inequality. We must protect our future!
03
Nurturing Entrepreneurship
Talent lies within each member of our community. Paired with determination, many decide to kickstart their own small businesses. However, they often face many challenges once they get started, such as covering startup costs, planning the business, paying taxes, and gaining community support. Many business owners struggle because they don’t know how to invest and build profits, which are essential skills for growth. Most importantly, there is a lack of recognition and support from the broader community. Without this support, it is difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to start or build their businesses, resulting in a waste of potential not only for the growth of the individual but for the growth of the community as a whole. By offering resources like mentorship programs and workshops, communities can empower aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
04
Developing Technology and Innovation
Rural areas within our St. Philip North community often struggle with their technological underdevelopment. They are set apart from more urbanized areas within the parish and wider island. This results in a notable difference in opportunities available for our residents and, most notably, our youth, compared to their more technologically advanced counterparts. With limited access to modern resources, our residents face significant challenges in accessing educational, vocational, and employment opportunities. This imbalance further enhances social and economic inequalities and stifles potential growth within the community. Enhancing digital literacy programs remains one of Selwyn priorities as he continues to be active with charitable deeds in these areas.
05
Transforming Education For Future Success
The existing education system prioritizes academic achievement among the youth. Unfortunately, it often neglects to allocate funds and resources toward equipping students with a diverse range of practical, marketable skills outside of traditional academics. This results in many young people feeling ill-prepared for the realities of the job market, where academic achievements alone may not suffice, and experience and desirable skills are also held in high regard. It also emphasizes to the youth that success is synonymous only with academic success, leading those who excel in other areas to feel undervalued and those who struggle academically to feel inadequate. Selwyn believes that we need to be more attentive towards the individual skills of our youth and nurture their strengths rather than forcing them into a path of academics, especially if it is not in their best interests.
06
Combat High Cost of Living
The current cost of living in Barbados has reached unprecedented levels, placing a strain on families all across the island, especially low-income households. As prices continue to climb, many families find themselves struggling to afford basic neccessities such as food, rent and utilities. This financial weighs heavily on families as they are forced to make sacrifices and difficult decisions just to make ends meet. The nature of these economic challenges exacerbates existing inequalities and emphasizes the need for reliable support systems and alterntive options for sourcing our neccessitties.Offering alternative sourcing for food, products, and services is instrumental in assisting locals in coping with the escalating cost of living. By creating more options and supporting local producers and businesses, communities can manage the impact of rising prices while encouraging economic resilience.
Goals
In order to achieve my vision and address my key priorities, I have set several specific goals and actions that I plan to take
Empowering Small Businesses: Increase Income for Everyday Barbadians
Providing opportunities for individuals to start and maintain small businesses is a large part of community development. By offering resources like mentorship programs and workshops, communities can empower aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into viable businesses. These workshops aim to teach aspiring business owners how to manage their accounting, taxes, and business planning and advance their skills to provide quality services and products.
Fostering community support is essential for the success of these businesses. Through initiatives like local marketplaces, networking events, and collaborative projects, residents can rally behind small businesses, support their products, and promote economic growth within the community.
Promoting Community Safety: Embracing a Crime Prevention By Tackling Core Issues
We can fight crime by building strong community bonds and tackling root issues like poverty and inequality. Strong community bonds mean people look out for each other, work together, and talk openly, helping spot and prevent crime. Dealing with poverty and inequality is key, as they often lead to higher crime rates. By directing time and resources towards education, job training, affordable housing, and support services, individuals in our communities have a better chance at success, reducing the likelihood of turning to crime for survival.
Providing the Youth With Better Support: Empowering the Youth to Better Tomorrow's Leaders
Offering the youth opportunities for mentorship, skill-building, and leadership is essential for their personal growth. Mentorship programs connect young individuals with experienced professionals who can offer guidance, wisdom, and support, helping them navigate challenges and explore their potential. Skill-building initiatives equip youth with the practical abilities and knowledge needed to succeed in various fields, whether through formal education or vocational training. Fostering creativity through arts, culture, and projects encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression, nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of adapting to many situations. Additionally, promoting leadership among the youth cultivates confidence, initiative, and a sense of responsibility, empowering them to become active contributors and future leaders within their communities.
Constructing Strong Communities By Embracing Alternative Approaches to Sustainable Living
Offering alternative sourcing for food, products, and services is instrumental in helping locals cope with the escalating cost of living. By creating more options and supporting local producers and businesses, communities can manage the impact of rising prices while encouraging economic resilience. Initiatives such as farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture programs enable residents to access fresh, affordable produce directly from growers, reducing reliance on expensive supermarket chains. Similarly, promoting local artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses encourages consumers to prioritize quality and sustainability over mass-produced goods, fostering a sense of connection and pride in supporting the local economy. Community-driven initiatives like shared resources, skill-sharing networks, and bartering systems allow residents to exchange goods and services without relying solely on cash transactions, further easing financial burdens.