#BTColumn – A legacy to be remembered

The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Dennis De Peiza

In many parts of the world, opportunities are provided for the education of the masses. Barbados as a small developing independent nation and soon to be republic, has seen the wisdom of providing free education starting from primary level, to secondary and tertiary level for its citizens.

On top of this, free access is also provided to technical and vocational training. This constitutes part of the wider vision of national development, at the centre of which is the preparation of the citizenry for life; including entry to the workforce.

Many of our young people have been graduating from secondary schools, tertiary institutions including the University of the West Indies, Barbados Community College, Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and the Barbados Vocational Training Board, with the hope of finding a job.

Alas, many of them have been left jobless for years, and with this, their dreams, hopes and aspirations have been dashed. Some like the late Mario Depeiza, have resorted to taking the pathway of entrepreneurship.

The creation of a means of employment, meant that the option rested in being self-employed and resorting to establishing a sole proprietorship business.   

The life of many young small business persons, whether as sole proprietorship or self-employed individual, has been thwarted with challenges. It is to the testimony of the character of some of these individuals that they have continued to fight against the glaring odds.

Mario Depeiza, in attempting to cross the hurdles, worked tirelessly and relentlessly to build out his dream as a graphics designer, by developing and registering a business known as Turboek Designs.

The point is to be reiterated that many others like Mario, have struggled to move their business forward. There are the repeated stories of the many promises by private sector entities and even public sector organisations, which were made of the intention to engage the services on offer, but alas, these have never been kept.

There are also the often shared experiences of frustration and disappointments which came about, following advertisements appearing in the media for proposal of interests in providing services for a project.

Much frustration and dejection was expressed about the lack of courtesy shown by not acknowledging receipt of proposals submitted or extending an invitation to attend an interview.

Many of our young entrepreneurs will identify with the fact that they have been denied a fair chance, based on the presumption made that they are young and inexperienced. Having not been employed or even contracted by small, medium or a large company in any capacity, these young business persons as workers, are left only to be discriminated against based on their age.

It is true to say that this story will not be the experience of all young business persons. Fortunately, some have broken through the systems and barriers which have confronted them.  With reference to barriers, many would identify with the lack of opportunities to acquire financing and access to marketing and promotion of their business.

This has hindered their attempts to establish a client base. Some would argue that they have been denied fair and equal treatment in the recruitment, hiring and contracting process.

There are those who could testify to the treatment they have received and acts of discrimination perpetrated against them, based on a disability of one kind or another an individual has had from birth or has since been acquired.

What is most disturbing, are the acts of exploitation of young entrepreneurs who complained that their services are engaged below the market value.

In essence they are paid at lower rates, often despite the fact that they provide a quality service, which sometimes is above the expectations of those who engage them.

In the hope of breaking down barriers, most young business persons have resorted to availing themselves of training offered by various institutions.

With a heavy emphasis now being placed on the development of skills and competencies, these young business persons are doing all that is required in order to position themselves for the expected and much anticipated opportunities of engagement.

For those who understand the need to press on despite the prevailing odds, it is important to follow the example left by Mario Depeiza, owner of Turboek Designs.

He believed in himself, was committed to building his business, always set high standards, was professional in his outlook and was determined to achieve his goals.

As the final chapter closed on the short life of the business registered as Turboek Design, young business persons are invited to relate to words which were penned by Mario Depeiza, in setting out the vision for his business.

The vision read: “We aim to satisfy our clients’ needs and our innovation inspires us to develop and produce high quality work.”

He will forever be remembered for his vision, passion and business acumen. This article is dedicate to the memory of the late Mario Depeiza, Owner: Turboek Designs, who passed this life at age 34. (17 November 1986 – 3 0ctober, 2021).

Dennis De Peiza is a Labour & Employee Relations Consultant Regional Management Services Inc. website: www.regionalmanagement services.com