Labour Minister lauds future entrepreneurs

Minister of Labour and Small and Micro-Enterprise Development, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, who visiting several of the booths and bought a few items in the bargain, underscored her ministry’s support of the JA youth enterprise development initiative.

“We re-affirm the major role that co-operatives play in the economic and social life of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. It is heartening to see young people engaging in different forms of business activity.

They represent the future of our country’s business and enterprise.

This is a positive reflection on what our youths can achieve,” said Baptiste-Primus.

The Labour Minister disclosed that discussions were being held with the Minister of Education, Anthony Garcia, with the purpose of “creation of a space” within every school to advance the concept of the co-operative enterprise module.

Joel Primus, Community Sustainability and Stakeholder Relation Advisor, representing platinum sponsor, BP Trinidad and Tobago, said the energy company was honoured to continue its enduring partnership with Junior Achievement, dating back to the 1970’s. “We at bpTT believe that initiatives such as the JA Trade Fair are aligned with our aspiration that calls on us to be involved in the development of everyone in Trinidad and Tobago. The work that our partners such as Junior Achievement and others do helps us to achieve this goal. It is imperative to highlight the achievements of young people and the work of organisations like JA at a time when there are so many negative stories,” Primus declared.

JA Trinidad and Tobago celebrated its 47th Annual Trade Fair as Woodford Square was turned into a virtual bazaar as the student entrepreneurs peddled a wide variety of handcrafted products such as printed tee-shirts, wrist and hand-bands, earrings, bracelets, souvenir buttons, designer mugs, and bakery items.

Karyl Williams, Commissioner for Co-operative Development, Ministry of Labour, said the ministry would initiate measures to get more credit unions throughout the country to get involved in the JA youth entrepreneurial programme.

“This trade fair is a clear expression of the creativity and innovativeness of our young men and women and we will take steps to get more credit unions involved with schools in their community,” Williams announced. Some 14 companies were supported by the Division of Co-operative Development through various credit unions.

Ashley Davies, President of Ellipsiis, one of 10 bpTT-sponsored companies, said the programme, while challenging at times, was a wonderful experience as her colleagues received valuable insights into planning and forming the company.

“To do all this from scratch and to come to Port-of-Spain to sell our products is extremely satisfying.

We intend to sell all our items today,” said a confident Davies, a student of St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando. Ellipsiis sold items such as mason jars and personal trinkets such as handbands, hair pieces, necklaces and caps.

Earlier, JA Executive Director, J.

Errol Lewis, declared at the formal opening of the trade fair: “When you look at the news, you would think that young people are only involved in negative things.

Yet you have hundreds of young men and women coming together in Woodford Square today to bring value to Trinidad and Tobago.” Lewis heaped praise on BP Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Labour’s Division of Co-operative Development, for their significant support of the youth enterprise programme.