Nevisian Youth Achieves Second Place in World Bank Essay Competition on Employment Poverty

Rol-J Williams, a medical student and climate advocate from the Caribbean island of Nevis, has achieved significant recognition for his insightful analysis of youth unemployment in the region. His essay, focusing on “Job Poverty in the Caribbean: Youth Perspective,” earned him second place in a prestigious World Bank regional competition. This accomplishment underscores the pressing economic challenges faced by young people in St. Kitts and Nevis and the broader Caribbean, while also highlighting Williams’ commitment to advocating for STEM-driven solutions. His achievement not only brings pride to his nation but also elevates the crucial conversation surrounding sustainable economic development in the Caribbean.

Williams’ essay powerfully argues that the Caribbean’s over-reliance on traditional sectors like tourism, financial services, and Citizenship by Investment programs has created a pervasive problem of “job poverty.” This term describes a situation where individuals are employed but remain trapped in poverty due to persistently low wages and limited opportunities for advancement. This dependence on these sectors, while providing some employment, fails to generate sufficient high-quality jobs that offer living wages and prospects for career growth, leaving many young people struggling to escape the cycle of poverty. He emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards a more diversified and resilient economy.

The World Bank competition brought together young voices from across the Caribbean to address the critical issue of youth unemployment. Williams’ participation in a panel discussion during the award ceremony further amplified his message. He articulated the urgent need to move beyond traditional economic sectors and invest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields to create sustainable and fulfilling job opportunities. He stressed that equipping young people with the necessary tools, training, and support in STEM is essential for fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and building a prosperous future for the region.

Williams’ success in the competition provides a platform for his advocacy and offers a much-needed perspective on the challenges faced by Caribbean youth. His argument for a STEM-focused economic development strategy resonates deeply within a region grappling with high unemployment rates, particularly among its young population. The recognition he received validates his concerns and provides a springboard for pushing forward with his vision for a more resilient and technologically advanced Caribbean. His call to action emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The competition, culminating in a virtual ceremony and panel discussion, highlighted the importance of youth perspectives in addressing complex societal challenges. Williams’ second-place finish, alongside Abigayle Morgan of Jamaica who took the top spot, and David Salmon, also from Jamaica, who secured third place, showcases the depth of talent and innovative thinking among Caribbean youth. These young leaders are not only identifying the problems but also offering concrete solutions to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for their communities. Their engagement with the World Bank provides a valuable opportunity to influence policy and drive meaningful change in the region.

Winning second place affords Williams the opportunity to engage directly with the World Bank’s Caribbean leadership, offering him a platform to further advocate for his vision of a STEM-driven Caribbean economy. While Morgan will represent the Caribbean at the World Bank Youth Summit in Washington, D.C., Williams and Salmon will participate in exclusive meetings with World Bank officials, providing a valuable opportunity to present their ideas and recommendations directly to key decision-makers. This direct engagement allows for a more nuanced and impactful dialogue on the challenges facing the region and the potential solutions for creating a more prosperous and equitable future. Williams’ achievement not only recognizes his individual contribution but also empowers him to play a significant role in shaping the future economic trajectory of the Caribbean.