Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs, Brenda Lettsomme-Tye is encouraging young people in the Territory to find innovative ways to utilise their time during the 24-hour curfew.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said that this is the time for young people to strive and show their skills as everything is now reliant on the internet and social media, which is their strong suit.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said, “We here in the BVI are relying heavily on Social Media to do business, educating each other and communicate and no one knows how to use social media better than our youth. They are the experts.”

She added, “As we are on a curfew, I encourage you to take this time to find yourself, develop a skill, take advantage of the many free lessons, tours, music concerts that are available online.”

The Director said persons around the world are now finding innovative ways to entertain and learn while staying home and persons in the Territory are doing the same.

She made reference to local entrepreneurs such as Tara K. Stoutt of JB’s Kitchen, Felicia Tonge-Fenton of Evolution Hair & Nail Salon and Brent Hoyte of Home Grown Studios who have all been producing videos on Facebook to help people to learn new skills including cooking, hair styling and keeping people entertained with musical praise parties.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye commended the local entrepreneurs for using their talents to uplift the community and has encouraged others to contribute to keeping everyone in a positive mind space.

“Why not share your knowledge and skill with your fellow youth. Start a group, a club or a following and maybe continue with exhibitions and tournaments after the curfew ends: the Director suggested. She added, “We just ask that you only do positive challenges and that you hashtag the BVI flag and tag us @DYASBVI. Platforms such as TikTok, Facebook LIVE and Instragram TV should be used to share skills in an entertaining way. We want you to positively represent us out there.”

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye stressed that staying mentally positive is a way to stay healthy during the curfew and COVID-19 pandemic. Persons are asked to continue to show BVILOVE, stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19.

For more challenges during the curfew visit the government’s Facebook page @BVIGovernment.