Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - Today’s opening of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, reflects my Government commitment to continued strengthening of the Territory’s industries and equipping our future entrepreneurs, with the expertise required to chart our path toward economic success.
Let me first thank the minister for Education and his team for carrying forward the mandate and for delivering to the people of this territory a technical institution designed to empower all those who are gifted with their hands, and are turning to government to help shape their destiny.
We have long needed to find a solution to help our students who prefer technical education find an outlet and avenue to excel in their passion.
Yes, the school was here before.
In 2005 my government started the TechVoc programme at the college, but we have now taken it to another level where the playing field of opportunity is development for all.
Gone are the days when technical education was looked down on and frowned upon. Gone are the days when technical education was not embraced.
Today is a new day!
A new day where we recognise the importance of technical education, and the extremely important part that those who work in that area play in the development of our territory.
Just think for a moment.
Imagine a world with no electricity. No cars. No water supply. No contractors. No crops. No livestock. No boats. No studio to produce music. Whether it is the electrician, the plumber, the boat builder, the contractor, the hairstylist, or the barber, these professions are essential to life.
The journey of filling our technical industries with certified Virgin Islanders - today’s trade students – continues.
The Territory is ripe with lucrative opportunities in the trade industry for skilled personnel in the technical fields.
It is expected that the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies will be a high quality trade school serving the needs of our secondary school students, aspiring to training and development in technical fields.
It will produce certified technical students for our labor market, who can also lead our industries as unique small businesses, or solo business owners.
This new school presents new opportunities for our technical students to excel in all areas of your educational pursuits; the opportunities for you to broaden your horizons and refine your skills are endless.
My Government remains steadfast in our efforts to continue building a world class education system. This is to ensure that our students, at every level, are equipped with the skills to be locally, regionally and internationally competitive.
We must create expertise that can fill our niche industries within the Territory and provide the critical technical and vocational skills that we need. Students, today, I encourage that as you pursue your educational pursuits, it is never too late to start thinking about owning your own business and becoming an entrepreneur. Look around you and see how you can provide an essential service to the community.
With a solid education, along with the guidance of our National Business Bureau, my Government is ensuring that our young people have the power to make their mark on the business scene. Each of them represents the future of the Virgin Islands’ economy as skilled craftsmen, contractors, and service professionals.
The education demands made by society continue to shift to the areas of industry and technology. I am therefore pleased to see that we are responding to these changes; that our education standards, programmes and certification procedures are being tailored to position our students, and by extension, our Territory to be more globally competitive. Just in July, 49 small business persons graduated from our business workshops that we held to help them develop the tools better manage the business idea they had.
You see, my Government understands that small enterprises contribute greatly to life of our local economy; and with a solid education, along with the guidance of our National Business Bureau, young people, the power is in your hands to make your mark on the business scene.
Each student sitting here represents future generations of not only business persons and leaders within our private and public sectors, but also skilled craftsmen, artists, performers, and service professionals. This is why my Government invests heavily in building a world class education system.
That is why my Government, through the National Business Bureau, is growing businesses and creating jobs, by expanding Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise access to capital through a special facilities fund called the National Business Bureau Loan Guarantee Fund.
This new institute brings expectations, high expectations by your parents, teachers and the Territory. Throughout your academic pursuits I want you to remember three things:
Be Innovative and think outside of the box. The Territory and the world are looking for creative minds who can seize opportunities to provide much needed services in our societies.
Share your knowledge, collaborate with each other. As iron sharpens iron, each of you must sharpen your skills, learn with each other and grow together.
Take advantage of every opportunity to be the best in your chosen vocation.
I remind you of local fashion designer Kristen Frazer, she is making her mark not only on the local fashion scene, but also on the international scene, with celebrities such as Beyonce wearing her styles.
But remember you do not all have to be business owners. Be part of an established business or join a newly formed one, and give of your best to make that company a success and you will also be successful
I urge you to use your time at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies wisely, and prepare to take your rightful place in the growth and development of our Virgin Islands.
I wish to congratulate the educators of the various vocations represented. You are very critical to the success of our students. I am assured that you will impart your knowledge on them, and they will in turn do their part to build a better Virgin Islands.
I look forward to the seeing the many opportunities that this school will create for generations to come.
Twitter iconFacebook iconLinkedIn iconGoogle+ iconYouTube iconRSS icon
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News