Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, has praised the island’s youth for their entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
Mr. Griffith gave them the commendation as he delivered remarks at the Ministry’s annual Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme’s (YES) Youth Expo and Talent Show held at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, on Saturday.
He stressed that Government could not provide employment for everyone, and over the years, it had been promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship as a viable option.
However, he noted that there was not a regular expo for the young entrepreneurs to display their goods and services, and gave the assurance that the Ministry would make an effort to improve on this.
“One of the things that I would guarantee is, that through the Ministry, through YES, we will have satellite locations across this country where we promote entrepreneurship at every single level…. I’m hoping that for those young persons who are not involved in the process, and you see what is happening, to call the Ministry and try to get in contact with one of the officers from YES, to ensure that you too can be guided in a way that you can have your business up and running,” Minister Griffith stated.
He also urged young business owners to look beyond Barbados when seeking to trade their products and services.
“You must look within the region and even outside of the region, in terms of expansion. We would continue to do what is necessary as a Government to ensure that success is the hallmark of everything that is happening with the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme,” Mr. Griffith said.
Manager of YES, Ryan Mosley, explained that the expo is an annual event where the department provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to come out and interact with the public and “to make some money and to get feedback on their products and services”.
He thanked the public for supporting the endeavour and encouraged them to continue supporting the youth. “We want to thank you for sharing your stories with them and we want to thank you most importantly for supporting young, aspiring, innovative youth businesses,” Mr. Mosley said.
This year, the Youth Expo had 27 businesses located throughout the mall. Their displays included resin design products; hair and cosmetic products; cakes and confectioneries; and clothing and accessories.
In addition to the entrepreneurs’ displays, for the first time, there was a mental health booth with personnel from the Psychiatric Hospital, who gave tips on good mental health practices.
There was also entertainment by reigning Scotiabank Junior Monarchs, Sakarah Thomas and Shontae ‘Tae’ Alleyne-Clarke; Haynesville Youth Group; and Mighty Bit Bit. A fashion showcase, with clothing and jewellery pieces from Pauline Bellamy; Wearable Pride by Romaine Benn; Cher Designs; and Own Runway Apparell by Adorah Hoyte, was also part of the activities.
In Commonwealth member countries, 2023 has been designated as the “Year of Youth”.