ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 9th, 2012 – Premier and Minister for Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has thrust his weight behind the Youth Unemployment Register (YUR) initiative encouraging employers to assist Government with building a productive and sustainable Virgin Islands.
This morning during the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Job and Career Fair at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, Premier Smith told employers to give the youth an opportunity to prove themselves.
Premier Smith said, “I urge those of you who have not yet committed to hiring our young people to look closer and wherever there may be an opportunity in your firm to give one or two of them an opportunity to prove themselves.”
In commending the Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn for the YUR initiative, the Premier reinforced his commitment to assisting the ministry with youth development in the Territory.
Premier Smith also commended youth for coming forward, saying, “I want to wish you success in your job search and in your lives and I want to tell you to never lose hope that another, better day is coming. Let your goals for yourself guide you in everything you do.”
He added, “Know that this Government is committed to your finding employment through all that we do. In fact my recent announcement relating to lowering import duties for businesses will make it easier for businesses to hire some of you. It is spinoffs such as this that I envision and not merely a reduction in the cost of goods purchased locally.”
Honourable Smith also encouraged the young people to utilise social media to connect with industry professionals and potential employers who work in their fields of interest.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool, Co-Facilitator Job Readiness Forum Mrs. Judith Vanterpool and BCQS Representative Mr. Denny Hodge also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Ms. Hakeema Matthew gave the response on behalf of all registrants.
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.
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