The YES Programme challenged young persons and they responded. A total of 43 students participated in the Youth Energised for Success’ (YES) inaugural Interview and Resume Writing Competition with Ms Cassia Sobers of Bishops High School ultimately emerging victorious.

The competition which was open to all CAPE and CSEC students on the island was conducted between February and March of this year. During that time the students attended a series of workshops where they were taught the intricacies of cover letter and resume writing, preparing for, and participating in a successful interview.

The Division of Finance and Enterprise Development’s Administrator Mrs Claire Davidson Williams speaking at the competition’s award function congratulated the students sharing with them the importance of the activity. She stated the YES Programme and the competition in particular is one of many components in ensuring the THA assists with the development of its human capital by exposing young persons to capacity building initiatives.

The competitors all learnt the intricacies of applying for employment by strengthening their writing and oral skills. According to Ms Cuquie Melville-YES’ Programme Administrator, “the participants are now better equipped to enter the world of work having successfully applied the information shared at the workshops.” This she indicated was because of the competition’s practical component which had the entrants apply for and be interviewed by a panel.

Mahkale Henry of Signal Hill Secondary placed second while KJ Hamilton of Goodwood Secondary placed third. The other finalists in the competition were – Ian Lawrence (Scarborough Secondary), Akola Ashby & Avinola Arthur (Speyside High School).

The YES Programme was established to collaborate with the Divisions of the Tobago House of Assembly, the private sector and other local, regional, and international agencies, to expand and enhance young professional development, training, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for young Tobagonians, thus preparing them to lead in the development of Tobago. It is co-ordinated by the YES Unit at the Victor E Bruce Financial Complex.

Good afternoon to you all!

On behalf of the Tobago House of Assembly, I would like to express my distinct pleasure to be here at this the 39th Annual Conference on Cuba, the Caribbean and Central America as it focuses on A New Era in Regional Integration.

The Division of Finance & Enterprise Development hosted its largest Children’s Christmas Party on record last weekend. Close to 800 children and adults experienced the spirit of giving at the Division’s annual event held at the Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex. In his message which emphasised the importance of spreading joy during the Christmas season, Assemblyman Joel Jack expressed his pleasure with the attendance and the philosophy behind the activity.

This, he explained was an opportunity for the Division to strengthen the bonds among families and build linkages with members of staff of the Division and the wider community. Both Assemblyman Jack and the Division’s Administrator Mrs. Claire Davidson-Williams presented gifts to children of the Family First Foundation home who are usually treated at the event by the Division. The home has been adopted as part of a programme by the Division to strengthen its corporate social responsibility. The children were visited by Mrs. Claus and other cartoon characters and enjoyed a variety of entertainment, games and activities for all ages. The event was coordinated by the staff of the Division and is anticipated yearly as it is centred on celebrating the Christmas season with members of staff, family, friends and children.

The Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development, Assemblyman Joel Jack says he remains cautiously optimistic about the impact of the global recession on Tobago’s economic position. According to him despite the recent declaration, by the Central Bank Governor that the country is in a recession, continued budgetary adjustments and reproritised programmes by the House of Assembly will ensure limited impact on the island’s economy. He, however, insisted that now more than ever the Assembly must deepen its partnerships with the private sector.

These issues were the centre of discussions today when the Secretary met with representatives of the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Industry of Chamber and Commerce. The Chamber’s team included the newly installed President Mr Selby Leslie and two past presidents Ms Diane Hadad and Mr David Wong. The Assemblyman formally welcomed the new President and updated the meeting on the issues raised earlier this year.

The Secretary intimated his unwavering desire to continue to work closely with the group which is required even more so now. He said, the need for economic diversification requires a more intimate working relationship with the Assembly and particularly the Division of Finance. Mr Leslie, also expressed his commitment to advancing economic development plans for the island and pledged his support for the establishment of Tobago’s Productivity Council.

Discussed at the meeting were the Assembly’s plans for the fiscal year with updates being provided on several key initiatives being undertaken by the Division of Finance and Enterprise Development including the Innovation Centre, the enhancement of the Assembly’s accounting system and projects of the Business Development Unit and the Venture Capital Equity Fund Limited. The availability of foreign exchange on the island and Tobago’s labour market conditions and GDP statistics were also examined with the Chamber representatives making recommendations on several activities. The next meeting is scheduled for the first quarter of 2016.

A diverse group of close to 150 Tobagonians attended the Financial Literacy Secretariat’s (FLS) second investment information seminar for the year. This session was facilitated by the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation at the Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex. In his remarks, Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development, Assemblyman Joel Jack encouraged the large gathering to exploit the various investment opportunities offered, building on the Tobago ethic of savings and thrift in an effort to increase their assets and strengthen the legacy of intergenerational wealth transfer on the island. UTC’s Vice President of Advisory Services-Ms Amoy Van Lowe applauded the Assembly on its initiative and partnership over the years.

She commended the Secretary of Finance in particular for his positive response in supporting activities which allow citizens to take charge of their future, in addition to his vision and commitment to the enhancement of financial literacy. The gathering was presented with information on wealth generation by Mr Garth Thomas of Comprehensive Planners and Associates. Mr Leslie St Louis of First Citizen’s Brokerage and Advisory Services explained the first steps to be taken when investing in the stock market. Meanwhile Mr Sekou Mark-Vice President of Investment Research and Portfolio Management at the UTC gave insights into the operations and philosophy behind the UTC Calypso Macro Index Fund.

The session was highly interactive and participants engaged all facilitators directly on their respective presentations. This was the largest gathering of persons since the FLS has commenced hosting of information sessions which according to the Secretary of Finance augurs well for Tobago’s financial future. The Secretariat in the upcoming months will continue to implement education programmes to increase the level of financial literacy on the island.

“We have walked the talk.” said Secretary Joel Jack at the Venture Capital Equity Fund Limited’s (VCEFL) signing ceremony today. The THA Enterprise (VCEFL) invested 1.9 million in the Pork International Group to assist with the firm’s expansion and its establishment of a meat processing plant on the island. The Secretary indicated that the agreement was as a result of the diligence of the Board and staff of the VCEFL and Assembly who are committed to ensuring that Tobago leads in national diversification efforts. He was hopeful that many more business persons would emulate the determination of Mrs Renette Clinton, Pork International’s Director, who through her exemplary efforts in business and with this partnership, afforded the administration an opportunity to support entrepreneurial activity for women and add value to the agro processing industry.

The fund which was established by the Assembly as an alternative investment vehicle for companies with high growth potential such as the Pork International Group has in the last year, committed an estimated $4 million in support of local businesses with high growth potential. According the Chairman Mr Anthony Pierre, at the first ceremony for this fiscal year, the event emphatically signals that the fund is open for business. He congratulated Mrs Clinton and pledged the VCEFL’s continued support for Pork International as they work towards the establishment of an environmentally friendly processing plant whose activities conform with the island’s brand attributes – clean, green and serene. The Venture Capital Equity Fund Limited is a company established to support private sector investments in priority areas identified in Tobago’s development roadmap – the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP) 2.0. The Fund’s mandate is to strengthen qualified fledgling enterprises through public/private sector equity arrangements of between $500,000 and $5 million to enable Tobago’s economic diversification.