Episode number four of the Independence Discussion Series dubbed: “Conversations: Reflections & The Way Forward” engaged with panelists on the critical question: “Can young people successfully build their future in St. Kitts and Nevis?”

The discussion highlighted barriers ranging from limited access to government youth programmes to the difficulties of starting a small business. Complex licensing procedures and high borrowing costs can make entrepreneurship particularly challenging. Panelists also pointed to a mismatch between education and labour-market demands, noting that major local developments often continue to rely on specialized workers from abroad.

Another key concern was implementation. While Caribbean countries generate strong ideas, turning those ideas into practical solutions, remains a persistent challenge. Greater attention to grassroot knowledge and small-scale producers was encouraged.

One panelist, Meshach Alford, an agri-preneur, gave this interesting perspective: