Dialogue 340: Are Young People Still the Future?

The US Virgin Islands is changing, but who is leading that change?

For years, decisions have been made by the older generations, shaping the politics, economy, and culture of the territory. But what about the youth?

• Are young people truly being prepared to take leadership roles, or are we just watching from the sidelines?

• Do young people even have a seat at the table, or are we still waiting to be invited?

In this unapologetic episode, of Dialogue 340, host Mikey, and a panel of young Virgin Islanders — Abdallah, Rynel, Na'Zirah, and Anthony — sat down for a deep dive into the critical question: Are young people in the Virgin Islands truly being prepared and empowered to lead, or are they just existing on the sidelines?

This is real talk about ownership, power, identity, and the right to lead now, not someday.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or silenced, this one’s for you.

Meet the panelists:

• Anthony is an educator, founder of The Community Centers for the Arts and Academics of the Virgin Islands, and member of Virgin Islands Career & Technical Education Board.

• Na'Zirah is Miss STX Festival Queen 2023-2024 and an environmental educator at the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority.

• Rynel is former Miss St. Croix Queen 2022-2023.

• Abdallah is a advocate for youth empowerment, UVI graduate, and local entrepreneur.

Young people in the USVI are ready to lead, build, and shape the next chapter of our history.

Fighting to Get in the Room — And Still Being Ignored

Young people in the US Virgin Islands are not being given real leadership opportunities and are often forced to fight for a place in decision-making conversations, with their voices frequently being ignored. 00:38.

“By the time we get into the room where decisions happen and change is made, we're voicing our opnions, but they are being ignored and dismissed as ‘you are youth'.” — Na'Zirah

Despite some progress in including young people in discussions, they are often only present for show, and their opinions are not truly considered or valued in the decision-making process 02:45.

Many youth appointments feel like performative inclusion rather than genuine empowerment. Rynel described a frustrating pattern:

“It’s kind of like a game. Like okay, yeah, I’m going to let you in the room, but… you’re just here for style.” — Rynel

One of the biggest challenges is the absence of mentorship and the gatekeeping of institutional knowledge. Even when young people manage to get appointed or elected, they’re often left to fend for themselves. Na'Zirah described the absence of mentorship:

“You’re finally there and everybody just leaves you alone. I’m here, but I don’t know how to do this process because nobody told me.” — Na'Zirah

To effect change, young people need support and courage to continue fighting for their voices to be heard, and they require guidance and mentorship from experienced individuals who are willing to share their knowledge 07:32.

"Our Virgin Islands elders are always saying 'when it was my time I didn't have help. I did it on my own.' – Abdallah

Lack of Education and Guidance in Politics

Several panelists admitted feeling disconnected from local politics due to a lack of education about how government truly works:

“What am I voting for? I voted for my mother’s friend. No, that doesn’t make sense to me.” — Rynel

Young people are not voting because they don't know how to vote or understand the system, not because they don't want to vote. And there's a lack of education on how to look at a candidate's policies and platform 10:46.

“Senators would come to elementary schools and its a noise making competition... But what happens to the individuals like me who yes I am young but I want to learn, I want to understand. You're not doing that for me.” — Rynel

"Young people don't vote because of how the system is and we don't know how to. There's a whole education aspect of how to vote, look at somebody's policies, tehir platform, what they stand for. We just make it a music contest, who has the best jingle." – Anthony

Even institutions and organizations, such as the Legislative Youth Advisory Council and the Youth Commission, that are supposed to serve and grow young people into leaders, are inactive or unknown to many. 13:46.

Intergenerational Disconnect

Young people are eager to learn and seek guidance from the older generation but often face defensiveness and resistance to change, making it difficult for them to move forward. The reluctance to share knowledge and experience with the "new adults" can hinder the younger generation's ability to avoid making the same mistakes and support the next. 18:03.

"We talk at young people but we don't talk to young poeple." – Rynel

"How many times must I prove myself to you, that I know what I'm doing or I have an Idea of what's going on? I just need you to allow me have that extra step to grow." - Abdallah

Culture and Identity on the Brink

The Virgin Islands are still recovering from the 2017 hurricane, and there is a fear that the islands may lose their cultural identity and become overly commercialized, with locals being pushed out 23:06.

“I have the fear that we're going to sell out and it's just going to become this vacation home for other people that's not us... It's hard to get people involved in a community that's aging and doesn't want change." — Mikey

"I grew up with my great grandparents, carving calabash, playing in the yard, all these things. And I am trying to cultivate these experiences for my little brother, and not just him, but all children... There's always something to learn but it's harder to learn because they're less accessible." – Na'Zirah

"We are allowing the outside to come in and change our culture... Culture is a living thing, it's a breathing thing. And when you start to lose your culture you start to lose your identity." – Anthony

What’s the Solution?

System overhaul. Clean up shop and bring in younger individuals who have the experience skills they have built locally and in the mainland United States to table. 25:14

“I feel like we are very much capable of self-sustainability… It’s just the people in charge who are the issue.” — Rynel

• Active mentorship for young leaders

• Reinvestment in cultural education and youth programs

• A living wage so parents have time to engage their kids

• A genuine seat at the table for young people—not just symbolic inclusion

  
  

This is a rallying cry for young Virgin Islanders to keep pushing, keep speaking up, and demand genuine involvement in decisions that will define the islands for decades to come.

This conversation might ruffle some feathers, but that’s what we’re here for — to start the dialogue. What's your perspective? Share your thoughts in the comments below.