Get rid of fear & ignorance – Mrs Karia J. Christopher
Addressing a press conference yesterday April 3, 2017 Mrs Christopher spoke passionately of wanting to see fear and ignorance rid from residents of the Virgin Islands (UK) when it comes to applying themselves to business as she said this is stifling the entrepreneurial spirit, resulting in the failure of many businesses.
“Most of us are afraid to go into business because the number one reason is fear, number two is ignorance. And so we believe that this week we will at least try to get a big percentage of the population to say there is no need to be fearful; this is a step that you can take,” Mrs Christopher told those present at the press conference.
“Our job is to really stimulate the economy, stimulate the market, get some energy going about businesses, getting your own businesses because at the end of the day we all want to be our own boss. That’s what I firmly believe,” she added.
We Have the Spirit
Meanwhile, underscoring the importance of small businesses, which is now clichéd as the drivers of any economy, no less the VI, Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) said much effort is being put into developing the small business sector and he has the confidence that the spirit to thrive is there.
“I think we have the entrepreneurial spirit, we just need to have the support mechanisms to support businesses in the territory. I think we are well on our way to developing those mechanisms,” Hon Penn said.
Hon Penn said that it’s in this regard that the development of a resource centre is important, as it will play a key role in training. “One of the issues that we have is that we always made available through the Business Bureau the financing to support the business but we failed to put more emphasis on support in terms of how we support the business through marketing,” among other areas as outlined by Hon Penn as he said that going forward more emphasis are being put in those areas.
This, along with the idea of the Trade Entrepreneurial Week initiative, Hon Penn credits as the brainchild of Mrs Christopher.
Also, while being very thankful to the banks who are supporting the programme, the Junior Minister of Trade made special mention of the COSME programme and its significance being a part of the European Union Fund Programme. “That programme has helped us tremendously. As we go along on this journey as we develop the business sector in this territory. They have offered financial support technical support in all aspects of our development.”
Rebranded & Expanded
In the same vein of optimism, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) said his Government has been working diligently to make significant progress in the Trade and Investment portfolio, by advancing plans to provide Virgin Islanders with a path to greater entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
“We have not only renamed and rebranded the Department as the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, but we have expanded the Department’s mandate to focus on entrepreneurial development.”
Striking a point of his Government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and small business development, the territory’s boss said he sees business development as a critical component of the Road Map in charting the course and positioning the Virgin Islands for the future.
“I have long championed the notion that small businesses are the backbone of any economy. I firmly believe that if we want to grow this economy, we must expand it by embracing small businesses — the lifeblood and an important and growing segment of our economy.”
“This reality, ladies and gentlemen, is what propelled me in 2013 to reintroduce and institute our National Business programme, to ensure that there was a dedicated function within Government to support and promote entrepreneurship and small business development.”
While speak of the importance of the development of a resource centre that will be housed in the Trade Department, the Premier said his government will continue to partner with the COSME, an EU funded programme established and managed by Government to facilitate regional SME development.
“We want to build and ensure a strong and thriving business sector, and I am hopeful, especially after attending the eCamps Kidpreneur Expo, an initiative created by businesswoman Portia Harrigan.”
Upcoming events
Activities to be held during Trade Entrepreneurial Week culminating on April 7, 2017 include the Business Financial Management Seminar and POWER Move Graduation Ceremony at 9:00 AM in UP’s Cineplex on April 4, an Open House at the Sebastian Building on Wickham’s Cay I from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on April 5, a cocktail reception and award ceremony on April 6, a workshop at Village Café in Virgin Gorda on April 7, and the School Entrepreneurial Spirit Competition at H Lavity Stoutt Community College at 5:30 PM on April 20, 2017.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
25 Responses to “Get rid of fear & ignorance – Mrs Karia J. Christopher”
The fear that we have is the fear of not getting a trade licence by you d******** because am a local BVI Lander and my parents are not. I can vote just like you.why are you victimising some belonger just because there parent or parents is not from here.what give you such powers and Authority. You would here more .
********* needs to get rid of their ignorance and fear and stop victimizing young people when they apply for a trade licence. Trade licences are issued based on your surname.
Why would I spend my time preparing a business plan and doing any other processes relative to starting a business for it to be submitted to that department, land on your desk for you to deny. In the end, one of your "friends" get my business concept to execute for themselves.
"the next Opra" is a bully, manipulative and bias. leads by instilling the same fear of not getting your documents no matter how prepared you are. Is still impressed by the color of your skin and you societal status. A good speaker sometimes. Not a good leader. Very two faced and hides under make up and clothing. Does not understand business or the needs of business people. Does not get the process of opening a business here in the BVI. Example they want you to sign a lease before even getting a license, Da mek sense!!!??? You trapped in a comtract before you get permission to start the business. We know your only there because of premier Lorna Smith. Micro manager and younget the YOU SUCK AT YOUR JOB AWARD 2016 AND 2017!!!!!