As another cohort of graduates from The University of the West Indies prepares to enter Jamaica’s workforce, I issue a simple appeal to government, the private sector, and public institutions alike: take a chance on a recent graduate.

For years, we have encouraged young Jamaicans to study hard, earn degrees, and equip themselves with the skills needed to contribute to national development. They have kept their end of the bargain. Now the country must keep ours.Jamaica has made significant progress in expanding access to tertiary education. Institutions such as The University of the West Indies and the University of Technology continue to produce thousands of graduates each year. Yet while our education system has become increasingly successful at producing qualified graduates, the transition from education to meaningful employment remains difficult for many young people.

According to STATIN, Jamaica’s unemployment rate stood at a historic 3.6 per cent in March 2026, but youth unemployment remained much higher at 10.7 per cent. Many graduates spend months seeking opportunities, taking unpaid work experience, or accepting jobs unrelated to their fields. Others leave the country in search of better prospects.