The Government of the Virgin Islands is of the view that Innovation transcends all industries and is a key factor in the growth of economies.

To this end, the first Innovation Week (iWeek) which will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and the wider community to gain access to a plethora of knowledge and resources will be held from October 28 to 31.

iWeek and its programmes are being led by Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro and  is a joint initiative between the Government and the European Union. The week’s events are being funded by the EU under the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Innovation Programme.

Honourable de Castro noted, “As a Government, we see innovation as an asset to the economic landscape in our Territory. The way we do business is ever evolving in this modern age and we intend to gather pioneer thinkers, strategists, business owners, consumers and professionals to help build ideas and processes for the advancement of our economy.”

The minister said there will be a focus on startup businesses and entrepreneurs as these businesses have a significant role to play in the diversification of the BVI economy and how the Territory sustains itself in an era of technology.

 “We see our small and medium sized businesses thriving, however, to ensure their success we must invest in them and give them access to the tools that are required during the development stages of the business,” the minister added.

Honourable de Castro said entrepreneurs should take advantage of this well planned week featuring seminars, workshops and presentations from local professionals who are expert innovators.

The introduction and launch of the Innovative Business Lab is expected to be an exciting part of the week. The lab will provide the infrastructure, education, systems and programmes required to empower students and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to create meaningful and sustainable innovation capable of transforming the local, regional Caribbean and global landscape.

OCTA Innovation is a technical assistance project for the sustainable development of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the EU through innovative solutions for economic diversification and to improve regional and global competitiveness.

 The BVI is a member of the OCTA and is associated with the EU.

NOTE TO EDITORS.

•  Photograph of Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development. Honourable Sharie B. deCastro.