Walwyn Helps District Six Join Marine Training
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has helped 11 young residents of District Six enroll in marine training programmes at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The move aims to open career pathways in the marine sector, a key part of the Virgin Islands economy.
Eleven young people from the Sixth Electoral District have been accepted into marine training programmes at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Opposition Leader and District Six representative Hon. Walwyn said he used social media to share the news and described the development as the fulfilment of a campaign commitment: "Today was a good day!
I ran for public office for one reason and one reason only—to help make the lives of the people that I represent better." He recounted meeting the group months earlier and promising to assist if they demonstrated commitment. "They showed the commitment and it has happened," he added.
The 11 candidates were accepted into HLSCC’s Marine Professional Training Programme and the Caribbean Boat Masters Programme, courses designed to provide practical skills for careers in crewing, commercial boating, tourism operations and other maritime services. For a territory whose economy depends heavily on tourism, inter-island transport and marine trades, formal training in navigation, vessel operations and safety can lead to stable employment and local business opportunities.
Walwyn also discussed the initiative during a recent appearance on The Big Story on JTV and thanked those who assisted in placing the young people into the programmes. "I would like to thank all the people who worked along with me to make this happen. You guys are awesome!" he said, expressing pride in the participants’ determination and wishing them well: "Upwards and onwards!" Community-based efforts like this reflect wider efforts to expand vocational training and workforce readiness across the Virgin Islands.
HLSCC has long offered maritime courses that are recognized in the region and aimed at meeting local demand for certified mariners, boat operators and safety personnel. For District Six residents, the acceptance of these students signals a tangible outcome for youth development and employment support at the constituency level.
As the students begin their training, local employers in tourism, charter operations and inter-island transport may gain access to a new cohort of qualified entrants, helping to strengthen the territory’s marine workforce. Walwyn’s announcement underscores how elected representatives and community partners can work together to connect young people with skills and career pathways that align with the territory’s economic strengths.
Primary source: JTV