THE establishment of the first ever Western Province Youth Entrepreneurs Council (WPYEC) will help transform lives, shape destinies and build a brighter future for the province’s entrepreneurs as they embark on a new journey filled with hope and determination.
That’s according to the Western Provincial Minister for Women, Youth Children and Family Affairs (WYCFA), Richard Beck at the launching of WPYEC in the Western Provincial Capital Gizo.
The event, which was facilitated by WP Youth Desk, was held in the Gizo Hotel.
Minister Beck said the Western Provincial Government recognizes the challenges that young people face.
“These include the hurdles of limited opportunities high unemployment rates, economic marginalization, logistical bottlenecks, technology gaps, lack of reserved business for locals, complex accessibility to financial opportunities in commercial banks and other financial institutes.”
But Minister Beck said amidst these challenges, there burns a flame of resilience, of creativity and of untapped potential within each and every youth.
“Today we come together to fan a flame into a roaring entrepreneurship, igniting a path of opportunity and prosperity for generations to come,” he added.
Minister Beck said the importance of entrepreneurship in the province cannot be overstated.
“It is catalyst for overreaction, providing meaningful employment opportunities for young youths and reducing the scourge of unemployment that has plagued our communities for far too long.
“It is the young fisherman who transforms his catch into a thriving seafood export business, creating jobs and economic for his fellow islanders.
“It is the aspiring fashion designer who turns her passion into traditional weaving, into a globally-recognized brand that showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of our cultures to the world.
“It is the tech savvy innovator who harnesses the power of digital technology to connect our remote communities to global markets, forges partnership and alliances with countries around the world and unlocks new avenues for trade and e-commerce,” Minister Beck added.
The WPYEC is now operational and serves young registered entrepreneurs from Marovo to Shortland islands.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
