Anyone who visited Expo 2020, held by a number of our young entrepreneurs on Saturday evening, November 21, must have come away highly impressed by, and supportive of, their varied exhibits.
The entrance to the Ronald Webster Park was considerably crowded, despite the lateness of the event and the periodic drizzles of rain. This showed the interest that many persons had in the exhibition.
The manufactured local exhibits included clothing, bags, an assortment of natural remedies, various delicacies, local drinks, and a range of other products. The displays, under multiple tents, were well organized and provided much space for the exhibitors – and members of the public, some of whom made on the spot purchases.
The exhibitors included: triple sisters Shaunbe, Statia, and Shaunice Richardson of Treasurer Chest Boutique; Anguilla Sands and Salts; Shermeka Richardson of Treats By Meeks; Monica Webster of Natural Remedies; B&B Natural Drinks; Karie-Ann Gumbs-Haymen of BK’s Home Shopping; and others.
The expo culminated a series of activities marking Global Entrepreneurial Week. The event was organised by the Anguilla Youth Business Association in conjunction with the Ministries of Youth and Culture and Economic Development.
Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Kyle Hodge, a noted young entrepreneur, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, was the main speaker. He said in part: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation, the staff at the Department of Youth and Culture, the sponsors and, most importantly, you, the entrepreneurs of Anguilla. Despite the current challenge and the limited opportunities, you have decided not to stand still and wait. You decided to get up and get out – and for that, you deserve a round of applause.
“It is exciting to see so many entrepreneurs keeping the faith alive. I am an entrepreneur as well, and I know that even as you push forward that, for some of you, it seems like it doesn’t make sense – that you are wasting your time and want to quit. But the Anguillian grit in you, that innate hustle, will never allow you to give up. I know that, for some of you, it is not about money, but having something to do until the global situation gets better. However, you are all entrepreneurs.”
The Minister urged them to continue to be brave and bold; to create and innovate; and to hustle hard, noting that the next generation of entrepreneurs is watching them.
Mr. Hodge continued: “As the Minister of Economic Development, a single day does not go by without me thinking about you and wondering how I can help you. I too, some ten years ago, was in your position as a starter; and through the years I have had some good days and too many bad days. So don’t hesitate to approach me. Let us have a talk and find ways of resolving our many issues to make a better environment for you.”
The Minister added: “In the coming weeks and months this Government will be finalizing a new Business Licence Policy, an Agriculture Policy, a Fishing Policy, and a Manufacturing Policy. It is incumbent for us to come together to share the challenges we are facing in order that your voice can be heard, and for us to find ways and means of incorporating them into the manufacturing policy. This will help to make manufacturing a more viable industry in Anguilla.”
Mr. Clemvio Hodge, Chairman of the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation, commented: “This is a great opportunity for persons to showcase their businesses. It is like a marketplace or a street fair, and we want people to come out and enjoy themselves. This is Global Entrepreneurial Week and it is a significant time for all of us in Anguilla because we are all entrepreneurs in some way, form or fashion. This is a great time for Anguilla and for the world as well.”
Mr. Timothy Hodge, Director of Social Society, and a member of the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation Board stated: “I think it is an excellent opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to showcase what they have been able to accomplish, so far, in terms of their businesses. I am really pleased by what I see here – and I congratulate the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation for putting this together, and we are happy with the promotion the event is getting.”
