A community faced with diverse social issues which is seemingly unbearable has sparked a need for a double episode meeting last weekend on Jost Von Dyke, where youths voiced their concerns for a brighter future and elders sought possible ways to enhance a better community.

As I settled down, comfortable seated aboard the 10:00 o’clock ferry which departed the dock at West End, my mind mingled with a little fear reflected on the movie ‘Titanic’ as the engine twirled and there I was getting ready to take my first trip off Tortola last Saturday.

Less than five minutes upon my arrival, I was ushered into an already interactive meeting with youngsters who sought job opportunities and others who hoped to enhance on diverse skills area.

The day’s first meeting was centered a round the youths spearheaded by Sendrick Chinnery, a resident of the community and co-owner of the New Horizon Ferry Service and car rentals, who thought that little or nothing has been done to develop the community.

In addressing a group youngsters who turned out converging under a coconut tree on the waterfront, Chinnery said a change begins with the youths of tomorrow and more emphasis should be placed on job opportunities in order for a positive community.

“We have to be in charge of our own destiny, we need to give youths a chance. The elders need to come together and motivate our youngsters through constant dialogues and meetings,” he urged.

Only minutes after a plea from a young resident to have a community center established to accommodate meetings, a heavy down pour of rain came sending the small gathering scampering for shelter in a nearby fish house on the beach which was badly in need of roof repairs.

The meeting was forced to continue in the small structured building amidst soggy conditions from the leaking roof which vented more concerns among the residents. One individual pointed out that the community is also in need of a school and clinic as they are faced with an overcrowded situation and no medical equipment or doctors to assist the sick.

Chinnery during an interactive discussion with the youths told the gathering that adults in skills profession jobs within the community such as plumbing, construction, electrical boat handling and fishing would be asked to assist youths who have an interest in these areas. This gesture enables youngsters to get jobs and become qualified if and when they hope to do further studies.

“We will ask the Government to send a representative in these skills area. We have to come as one and get involved in whatever is around us. I am willing to help with the travelling expenses of those who wish to go to Tortola to attend classes. We have been pushing for a community center for so long and this was mentioned in the last social development meeting,” Chinnery informed.

In addition to addressing job opportunities, Mark Morris of Customs Department and a resident of JVD since 1999 voiced his concern on proper convenient facilities at the dock.

“The rest rooms at the dock are not in service ever since the building was established. Whenever visitors rush to ease themselves, they are greeted with the familiar words, ‘the rest room out of order’ and they had never been in order. This is not so bad for the men but females have a hard time. This condition is bad for men and worst for women,” he added.

Part two of the day’s meeting under the theme, “A positive move for a better community” ended under a small tent shading the hot afternoon’s sun in front of the Police Station. Despite it being a poorly attended meeting, this time spearheaded by Celvin Chinnery, (Sendrick’s younger sibling), residents voiced concerns affecting their community. Known as a sanctuary for tourists, with its secluded and tranquil environment, offering a rustic setting amidst the backdrop of breath taking views and sandy white beaches- the tiny island of Jost Von Dyke with a population of approximately 250 people struggles to maintain the basic necessities of an ever-growing community.

Stressing that the Community lacks togetherness, Chinnery said despite one’s skin colour or nationality in order to make a difference, individuals should come together.

“Jost Von Dyke is ours; look at our beaches the condition here is bad, in order for us to attract people to our island we have to come together and clean up our beaches, things are slowly drifting from us,” he stressed.

A seemingly frustrated resident expressed her dissatisfaction on the approach the government is taking, with unfulfilled promises for plans toward the development of JVD.

“Our morals have been eroded, children are the pillows of the community, as parents we should be proud of what we have. We have to erase the stigma in the mind of the leaders in Tortola, they think we are nothing but a set of backward people. They keep promising and promising, there is nothing behind it. We are in need of proper medical care, schools, roads and I could go on and on,” the concerned resident lamented.

The two-part meeting was called to order by the Chinnery’s – brothers working together to build a better future for their community and its environs.

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