Three graduates of a three-month training programme earning four maritime certifications (see Friday/Saturday edition) is encouraging. The yachting sector has grown enormously in both size and socioeconomic importance over the past decades.
However, one occasionally hears the argument that mostly expatriates are involved. That is certainly less the case now than it used to be, while efforts such as those from the St. Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) and Kidz at Sea Foundation are making a significant difference.
Enabled with means from the Dutch-sponsored Trust Fund under World Bank management and executed by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), the course gave participants knowledge, skills and papers they need for various jobs in the marine industry.
There were only three this time, but they can serve as role models to peers and more will no doubt follow in their footsteps. It’s a gradual process, but one has to start somewhere.
While people claim that most cruise passenger revenues go to foreign-owned businesses and attractions, for example the majority of taxi permits are owned by locals. In any case, they should ask not only how come, but especially what possibilities still exist to get a piece of the proverbial pie.
Instead of just complaining stay informed, use your imagination and creativity, take initiative, educate yourself and be ready to seize the moment when opportunity knocks.
