The initiative by Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) to support future entrepreneurship by youngsters (see Friday/Saturday edition) is commendable. Using a grant to promote reading among teenagers from the Dutch Royal Library in The Hague for that purpose makes all the sense in the world.
The complaint is often heard that too few St. Maarteners occupy top management positions. However, being local alone certainly does not ensure any privileges in that regard, nor should it. Education, relevant experience, capacity, skills, attitude and strength of character are usually the determining factors.
One way to become “boss” is by starting own businesses, which also helps empower people. In fact, creating such opportunities can be an important ingredient for a sustainable economic development.
A pilot survey of Youth Brigade members ages 12 to 18 showed that 50 per cent is interested, so secondary schools were asked to participate in the questionnaire and ensure more comprehensive data. In the meantime, as of today, February 21, all three library locations will have a special collection on young entrepreneurship and more (E)books are to be added in the next three months.
People should avoid misinterpreting this as wanting to discourage further academic or professional studies. Going into business does not have to mean dropping out.
On the other hand, not everyone is destined to be a doctor, professor or lawyer. There is nothing wrong with opening the eyes of students to other possibilities that exist based on private initiative.
And while such ventures are almost never easy and require a lot, they can also offer some significant promise.
