By John Denny
Nevis Reporter
(Charlestown) – The Annual Career Fair, sponsored by the Human Resources Department of the Nevis Island Administration, held last Wednesday 14 May, at the Nevis Cultural Center, was deemed a success by many of the exhibitors.
Seventeen different industries were represented. Some industries had several businesses setting up exhibits in some of the more Nevis-centric trades such as tourism. This was the second year NIA has held the Career Fair.
This year’s theme was “Get Trained, Get Certified.” The purpose of the Career Fair was to increase public awareness to the importance of developing human resources on the island through education and training, according to Human Resources Manager Mrs. Elmeader Brookes.
“The Career Fair gives employers and prospective employees the opportunity to meet each other,” said Mrs. Brookes. “This will also give the young people a chance to get some ideas of where they may take their career.”
In addition to a number of booths by local businesses and various government agencies there were a number of short informative seminars from tourism, health and private sector companies.
At the opening ceremony, Nevis Premier Hon Joseph Parry spoke to the youths in the audience about them being the future of Nevis and that they had the responsibility of the islands future in their hands.
He warned of wanting to emulate the things they see on TV and that they should be proud to be Nevisian, that there was a great future waiting for them right here, but it would take a commitment on their part.
“Hard work is good and hard work is something to hold to,” said Mr. Parry.
Many opportunities are at hand, Mr. Parry said. Negotiations are underway for a new luxury hotel near Indian Castle Estate.
“Many of you would have never believed there would be a six star hotel at the end of Hanley’s Road, but we are in negotiations now to make this a reality,” said the Premier. He spoke of other companies wanting to locate to Nevis, such as 21st Century Communications a Bell Canada call center and the ongoing development of geothermal power.
“With the discovery of geothermal energy under our feet, we have great potential and opportunity for Nevis,” said the Premier. “As this development continues, there will be many career opportunities in the field of geothermal power. With the availability of this resource, industries will want to locate to Nevis and that will mean career opportunities.”
