ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 9th, 2012 – Armed with the necessary skill set, hope and aspiration, registrants of the Youth Unemployment Register (YUR) turned up in numbers to begin their pursuit of employment at the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Job and Career Fair this morning.

Sharply dressed in professional wear, registrants mingled with prospective employers, submitted resumes, completed applications and signed up for available openings from the twelve industries represented.

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walywn declared the fair open after a brief ceremony attended by Government Ministers, senior public officers, unemployed youth and prospective employers.

In his remarks Minister Walwyn told registrants that the air is ripe with anticipation and opportunity. He announced that after months of appeals and calls approximately 200 jobs were committed from the business community at varying levels.

This includes 68 apprenticeships some of which will be offered by the Ministry of Communications and Works. Additionally, the BVI Association of Registered Agents offered two scholarships for diploma courses for training as a chartered administrator or a compliance officer.

The Minister stressed “attitude” as an important asset in attaining and maintaining a job. In his advice to the registrants he said, “Be patient. Have big dreams for yourself and one day you will be that boss or that entrepreneur. However, in the meantime, learn from your supervisors. Learn to take constructive criticism, and seek to always add value to your job.”

Minister Walwyn thanked employers for, “stepping out on a limb and stepping up to the plate to offer assistance.” He added, “This says to me that our business community realizes that by offering opportunities to our youth, you also offer the chance for the entire Virgin Islands to be revitalised.”

The Minister stated the YUR will not end as Mr. Albert Wheatley a co-facilitator of the Work Readiness Forum is contracted to continue to provide readiness training to youth.

In response, Ms. Hakeema Matthew, a Virgin Gorda registrant described her search for employment over the past four years. She thanked Minister Walwyn for the YUR and the Work Readiness programmes. Speaking of her aspirations she said, “I entered the programme not only wanting to have employment but to also own my own businesse some day,” adding, “I know for a fact that I am more fit and ready to take on the challenge so in two or three years from now, you guys may be walking into one of the best beauty shops and 24 hour day care centres in the Virgin Islands.”

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Kedrick Pickering and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool also delivered remarks.

Other speakers included Mrs. Judith Vanterpool, co-Facilitator of the Work Readiness Forum, Denny Hodge of BCQS and the Chairperson, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter. House of Assembly Members Honourable Archibald Christian, Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines, Honourable Marlon Penn and Honourable Delores Christopher were in attendance.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to enhancing the quality of life of youth by making sure they are equipped with the necessary skills or experiences to obtain many available positions being offered. Government is opening the door to opportunities that allow youth to determine their own destiny.

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