Gov’t programme graduates 26 entrepreneurs
Twenty-six entrepreneurs and business owners from across the Virgin Islands have completed the Government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, a joint initiative by the Department of Trade and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to strengthen MSME skills. New reporting confirms the graduation and expands on the feature address by Junior Minister Lorna G. Smith, who stressed lifelong learning and urged entrepreneurs to adopt digital tools including artificial intelligence.
Twenty-six entrepreneurs and business owners from across the Virgin Islands have completed the Government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and the Territory’s Department of Trade announced following the course’s closing activities earlier this year.
The programme, hosted by the Department of Trade in collaboration with HLSCC, focused on practical business skills for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including business planning, marketing, financial management and day-to-day operational skills intended to help small firms scale and remain resilient in changing markets (BVI Government; VINO).
Reports on the timing of the graduation vary by outlet. Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported the closing ceremony took place on May 28 at HLSCC’s Centre for Applied Marine Studies, while the Government’s late June announcement and coverage by Guavaberry place the ceremony on June 28 (BVI Government; VINO; Guavaberry).
BVI News also covered the event, providing further quotes and photo documentation (BVI News). Delivering the feature address at the graduation, Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, congratulated the graduates and urged them to embrace lifelong learning, adaptability and forward-thinking leadership to support the Territory’s economic future (BVI Government; Guavaberry).
Honourable Smith highlighted the importance of digital capability and emerging technologies, explicitly urging entrepreneurs to understand and adopt tools including artificial intelligence to improve productivity and competitiveness. Guavaberry published an extended version of her remarks and quoted her saying: "I am particularly encouraged by the entrepreneurs and business owners who completed this programme, especially those who have already spent many years building successful enterprises.
Their willingness to continue learning, adapting and strengthening their skills demonstrates that long-term success is built on a commitment to continuous improvement. Whether you have been operating for two years or twenty-five years, there is always value in building knowledge, embracing new ideas and developing new skills to capture the opportunities of tomorrow...
As we navigate rapid technological change, including the rise of artificial intelligence, continuous learning has never been more important." (Guavaberry). Graduates represented a diverse cross-section of the local business community, with participants working in steelworks, marine services, bookkeeping, agriculture and hospitality — a range officials said underscores how integral MSMEs are to employment, economic growth and community wellbeing in the Virgin Islands (VINO; BVI Government).
A recurring theme at the ceremony was partnership. Smith acknowledged the contributions of HLSCC, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and other organisations that provide training, mentorship and practical support to entrepreneurs, noting these collaborations help expand access to high-quality learning opportunities and strengthen the Territory’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem (BVI Government; BVI News).
The programme is part of ongoing efforts by government and institutions to bolster a business environment capable of capitalising on tourism, marine and other sector opportunities while adapting to rapid technological change. Officials and media encouraged participants and prospective entrepreneurs to remain engaged with local training providers and business support organisations to sustain growth and innovation within the Territory (BVI Government; VINO; BVI News; Guavaberry).
Primary source: BVI Government