Local News
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.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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