Third District Job Fair Sees Record-Breaking Turnout and Community Impact

Over 200 job seekers flooded the grounds of Therapy Works in Hannah Bay on Sunday, as former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Julian Willock, hosted what became the largest job fair ever organised by a private citizen in the British Virgin Islands. Supported by the Third District Committee, the event marked a significant milestone in efforts to boost employment and career development across the district and beyond.

From 2:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees had the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in local business, including Scrub Island Resort, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Therapy Works, Riteway Food Markets, the BVI Airports Authority, the BVI Electricity Corporation, and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Many companies came with vacancies open for immediate applications, drawing a substantial turnout from district residents eager to explore new career paths. Over the course of the day, more than 170 paper applications and 35 online applications were submitted.

Among the event’s highlights were presentations from representatives across key sectors. Roy E. Barry of the Social Security Board and National Health Insurance discussed the importance of national insurance benefits, while Acting Labour Commissioner Marvin Hastings provided insights on the new Labour Management System (LMS), which aims to streamline hiring processes across the territory. Additionally, Leroy James Jr., Business Development Manager of the Trade and Consumer Affairs Department, outlined support available to businesses through the National Business Bureau, offering companies training and networking opportunities to enhance local economic growth.

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) also drew attention with its Marine Studies Programme, designed to encourage young islanders into the marine industry through paid internships, fostering valuable skills and practical experience.

Reflecting on the day’s success, Willock expressed optimism about the fair’s potential impact. “Our aim this year is to help at least 25 District Three residents secure meaningful employment, which would be an increase over last year’s total of 11,” he said. He added that he plans to follow up with participating companies within two weeks to track new hires directly resulting from the fair. “The turnout was overwhelming and reflects the private sector’s confidence in our Third District Committee to deliver impactful community initiatives,” Willock noted.

The event was made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Tortola Auto Group, Nanny Cay Marina, Long Bay Beach Resort, the Skelton Group of Companies, Caribbean Insurance, Northern Construction, Hon. Lorna G. Smith OBE, Flow BVI, and an anonymous Third District family, which contributed refreshments. Willock also extended special thanks to key organisers and supporters, such as Andrew Ball of the BVI Marine Association, Sharon P. Flax-Brutus of the BVI Yachting Hotel and Tourism Association, and members of the Third District Committee.

As the Third District continues to rally behind job creation and career growth, this year’s job fair underscores the strength of community-driven initiatives and the promise they hold for local economic development.