Schoolchildren paying attention to this booth at the Youth Business expo held in the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Photo: VINO

Another of the display booths. Photo: VINO

This business made custom printed t-shirts. Photo: VINO

This business made necklaces and other accessories for women. Photo: VINO

Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn addressing the participants and audience. Photo: VINO

A section of the audience at the opening ceremony. Photo: VINO

Curry and other food condiments on display. Photo: VINO

Another booth that displayed clothing. Photo: VINO

More food condiments on display. This time sauces! Photo: VINO

Young entrepreneur Camesha de Castro is the owner of Favor-it a party favours business which deals with customised favours and gifts for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and corporate events. Photo: VINO

A model struts her stuff on the catwalk during a mini-fashion show. Photo: VINO

Lovely ladies displaying hair accessories. Photo: VINO

The displays included fashion and accessories, buying supplies, food condiments, party favours, t-shirt printers among many other small businesses.

In attendance were Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn and acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Brenda Lettsome-Tye, in addition to youth ambassadors in business and entrepreneurship.

Young entrepreneur Camesha de Castro is the owner of Favor-it, a party favours business which deals with customised favours and gifts for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and corporate events.

"I've been in business since 2012. But I have not been advertising much. I'm hoping that my business gets a boost from the exposure I'm getting here," she told our news site.

Speaking at the launch of the Expo, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said young people who have taken the chance to get into business for themselves are job creators who all contribute to the Virgin Islands economy.

“I am very pleased with what I am seeing here this afternoon. I want to congratulate all of the young people who are out here. I want to let them know that they have the full support of this Government and we will continue to do all that we can to ensure that their businesses are successful.”

He said it is the desired situation that young people are helping to develop the country by creating jobs and not just seeking to work with other people.

From all indications the event seemed to have been well supported as there was a steady stream of patrons who stopped at many of the booths. Some of the other businesses that were on display at the expo were Tripple M Variety, Paper Plastic Products, Greencrete, Diva Nail Salon, Belle Entertainment, Hirebvi.com and Caribbean Imports.