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Third District Job Fair the biggest yet, huge success- Julian Willock

- Over 200 residents from Third District & surrounding areas attend
The Third District Job Fair on the grounds of Therapy Works in Hannah Bay, Tortola on Sunday, October 27, 2024, was one of the biggest job fairs hosted by a private citizen. Photo: Provided
The job fair was hosted by former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr Julian Willock, right, along with his Third District Committee. Photo: Provided
The job fair was hosted by former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr Julian Willock, right, along with his Third District Committee. Photo: Provided
The annual Third District Job Fair was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and saw over two hundred residents from the Third District and surrounding areas attend. Photo: Provided
The annual Third District Job Fair was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and saw over two hundred residents from the Third District and surrounding areas attend. Photo: Provided
Acting Labour Commissioner Mr Marvin D. Hastings, standing, spoke about the new Labour Management System (LMS) implemented by the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Photo: Provided
Acting Labour Commissioner Mr Marvin D. Hastings, standing, spoke about the new Labour Management System (LMS) implemented by the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Photo: Provided
Businesses with vacancies in attendance at the Job Fair included Scrub Island Resort, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Therapy Works, Riteway Food Markets, BVI Airports Authority, BVI Electricity Corporation, and H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: Provided
Businesses with vacancies in attendance at the Job Fair included Scrub Island Resort, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Therapy Works, Riteway Food Markets, BVI Airports Authority, BVI Electricity Corporation, and H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: Provided
Former Labour Commissioner Mrs Michelle A. V. McLean (retired) was also spotted at the Third District Job Fair hosted by former Speaker Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee. Photo: Provided
Former Labour Commissioner Mrs Michelle A. V. McLean (retired) was also spotted at the Third District Job Fair hosted by former Speaker Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee. Photo: Provided
HANNAH BAY, Tortola, VI- The Third District Job Fair on the grounds of Therapy Works in Hannah Bay, Tortola on Sunday, October 27, 2024, was one of the biggest job fairs hosted by a private citizen. The job fair was hosted by former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee.

The annual event was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and saw over two hundred residents from the Third District and surrounding areas attend.

According to Mr Willock, in a press release from the Third District Committee, it "was the biggest yet, along with some of the biggest companies and statutory bodies in attendance."

Who were there?

Businesses with vacancies in attendance at the Job Fair included Scrub Island Resort, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Therapy Works, Riteway Food Markets, BVI Airports Authority, BVI Electricity Corporation, and H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

Also on hand were Mr Roy E. Barry of the Social Security Board and National Health Insurance and Acting Labour Commissioner Mr Marvin D. Hastings.

Mr Barry made a presentation on benefits, contributions and national insurance, and Mr Hastings spoke about the new Labour Management System (LMS) implemented by the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.

The Trade and Consumer Affairs Department was also represented by its Business Development Manager Mr Leroy James Jr, who spoke briefly about his department working closely with businesses through the National Business Bureau to provide companies with training and networking opportunities.

Representatives of HLSCC provided information about its Marine Studies Programme and offered paid internships to young people interested in the area of study.

Ove 170 paper job applications filled out, 35 online

Mr Willock noted that from all of the companies showcased at the Job Fair, there was a combined total of over one hundred and seventy paper job applications filled out. In addition, there were thirty-five online applications. 

He said the goal this year was to get at least 25 residents from District Three meaningfully employed, which would be an increase over last year's 11 employed. Mr Willock noted that within a week or two he will be checking back with all companies and statutory bodies to see how many persons were hired as a direct result of the Job Fair.

Turnout 'overwhelming'- Willock

The former Speaker noted the turnout was overwhelming and that speaks to the confidence that the private sector has in his Third District Committee to organise and execute. 

Mr Willock thanked the sponsors of the Job Fair who provided support for tents, chairs, tables, decorations and a Disc Jockey, among other items. This year's sponsors included Tortola Auto Group (TAG), Nanny Cay Marina, Long Bay Beach Resort, Skelton Group of Companies, Caribbean Insurance, Northern Construction, Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE, Flow BVI and a Third District family (who wished to remain anonymous) who donated some of the refreshments.

Additionally, Mr Willock also thanked others who worked behind the scenes. They included Mr Andrew Ball from the BVI Marine Association, Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus of the BVI Yachting Hotel and Tourism Association, and his Third District Committee.

Mr Willock has also impacted the Third District with back-to-school events and donations to schools.

14 Responses to “Third District Job Fair the biggest yet, huge success- Julian Willock”

  • ... (28/10/2024, 16:50) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Unemployment rate is crazy in the bvi but we aint ready to talk about that....look how mich young mehn jusy cooling smoking or riding around all day
    • Lazy (28/10/2024, 20:32) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      Because it is their choice and preference to hang out all day on the block. Set of lazy behinds
      • lazy ha (29/10/2024, 08:22) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
        you would think that is the reason but if you have 200+ student graduating every year with only 5-10 persons retiring every year where would they fit in. I am a 23 year old young man that have been on several interviews and most of all of the responses are the same, "will get back to you", "Sorry you dont have enough experience" but most of the times these businesses just doing this because labour require them to interviews locals know that we are being over looked because a work permit already inline for the position
    • @.... (28/10/2024, 20:39) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Unemployment -Its happen all over in the Caribbean and beyond . Not only BVI
  • ... (28/10/2024, 16:53) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Goes to show how bad things are. 200+ unemployed
  • tola (28/10/2024, 19:00) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope all of them get something
  • candy (28/10/2024, 21:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    you shut your behind if you know the Tortola does not have job for all those you people do you since the pay gone up they laying off people
  • Jobless? (28/10/2024, 22:47) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Was the former commissioner of labour looking a job too?
  • Cindy (29/10/2024, 02:34) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
    Willock is the man congrats esteem
  • Josiahsbay (29/10/2024, 08:28) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I speak generally for all districts but specifically the 7th/8th district. We are a tourist destination that should be developing and improving our tourism product. Encourage our youths to be entrepreneurs.

    Develop unused commercial spaces along the main roads and seashore. Along with the VI's overall product, create district-specific tourism products.
    District Reps. along with the government should encourage landowners to rent or lease those spaces. The government should do a comprehensive study to determine what type of businesses the district needs and fund the entrepreneurs.
  • 2024 (29/10/2024, 09:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The amount of documented workers in our territory is mind blowing both in trust companies and other businesses

  • 3RD DISTRICT RUN.. (29/10/2024, 09:35) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    BOY AARON I WAS THINKING NEXT ELECTION IS YOUR CHANCE! BUT ME AINT SURE NOW THIS WILLOCK MAN LOOK LIKE HE GOT PEOPLE BACKING HIM..
  • Sprout (29/10/2024, 10:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yea but when the men pull up on the corner with plants for sale and snow cones you blow by. Set the young girls out to sell water and they sell out. Do we really support the young men? NO.

    I cant blame them for hustling what you are scared to sell just stay off that coco and keep pushing the herbs.


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