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| Minister of Industry, Small Business and Rural Development, Denis Kellman. (FP)?? |
Minister of Industry, Small Business and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, has welcomed the establishment of yet another small business on the island.
The Unique Helping Hands Senior School was officially opened on Sunday, January 6, with classes catering to persons 50 years and over.
During his address at the opening ceremony which took place at the Barbados Youth Business Trust’s conference room at Harbour Industrial Park, Minister Kellman pointed out that the establishment of the School "testifies to the diversity of the small business sector in Barbados."
"It reminds us that there are many opportunities available to those who are willing to search for existing niches and set themselves up. It also reinforces the fact that dreams can become realities if we are willing to take the risk," the Minister said.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to the development of the small business sector he added: "We want those involved to succeed and move beyond being a small business. We are committed to creating the enabling environment that would allow you to do so."
The Small Business Minister further commended the management of the school for joining government’s mission to implement initiatives designed to empower this country’s ageing population.
"While being a success story as far as longevity is concerned, our ageing population brings with it some challenges. Among them is the capacity of Barbados as a nation to keep its senior citizens engaged and in a position to meaningfully contribute to society…We have to create avenues to dispel loneliness," Minister Kellman stated.
Located on the Ground Floor, Building No. 2, Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael, the Unique Helping Hands Senior School will train the retired and independent elderly in Information Technology, Art and Craft and Foreign Languages. Field trips, motivational discussions and exercise will also be included in the programme.