W - Workforce

“It seems to me I could live my life a lot better than I think I am

I guess that’s why they call me, they call me the working man”

I think frequently about opportunities for the young people that live here. This post isn’t going to have any suggestions, only observations.

Traditionally, there were very few work opportunities for growing wealth. Most revenue generation came from fishing; other food was grown here, construction was simple and service industries (like restaurants) were minimal.

The growth of tourism, especially over the last five years, has brought new opportunities and additional revenue to town. Our two largest stores, TIA and Xavico’s, have doubled in size, new accommodations (long- and short-term) have been developed and personal services such as salons have grown.

Growth in these services has translated into increased payroll for residents. Hotel and restaurant staffs are seeing increases in pay, professional training and uniforms (mostly logo shirts). Construction workers, previously hired at $10/day, are now earning $20/day, and conformity to building codes has increased the skill set required.

(The culture of labor cost over equipment cost still prevails, however. It is more acceptable to hire five guys for a day to dig a hole than to hire a backhoe for $100. It is the same price, of course, but the money is more widely disbursed.)

Industry will elude the coast for many, many years. Although the labor cost is low, the geography will prevent the development of large-scale transportation routes. Additionally, as far as I know, there are no natural resources to be “harvested” here that can not be procured more cheaply elsewhere. Manufacturing and distribution will not be seen here for a long time.

The growth of tourism as an increased revenue source may be all that this area needs for now.