BVI Chamber of Commerce
News Release: Buy BVI Trade Expo 2024 Showcases the Diversity and Innovation of the Virgin Islands Economy!
Tortola, BVI 23 May 2024 – The Buy BVI Trade Expo 2024, held on 17-18 May 2024 at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, was a resounding success, with thirty-five (35) micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs (MSMEs), and this year included exhibitors from the US Virgin Islands (USVI). The Expo featured products and services, across industries ranging from agriculture, culinary arts, retail, hospitality, professional services, renewable energy, construction, transportation, and banking.
The opening ceremony featured keynote speaker, Mrs. Leilani Stevens-Roberts, owner of Island Pot Restaurant in The Valley, Virgin Gorda. In her remarks, she shared about her journey as a young entrepreneur and emphasized the importance of the Virgin Islands’ entrepreneurial spirit, the lifeblood of the Virgin Islands community being rooted in resilience and fuelled by innovation. She urged attendees to recognize the determined spirit of entrepreneurs at work in every corner of our islands, from the small businesses lining the streets to innovative startups and enduring family businesses. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Celebrating the Virgin Islands’ Entrepreneurial Spirit,” Mr. Ernest “Popeye” Scatliffe was presented with the Chamber Hero Award for his unwavering dedication to the community and support of the Buy BVI Trade Expo over the years.
The opening ceremony featured keynote speaker, Mrs. Leilani Stevens-Roberts, owner of Island Pot Restaurant in The Valley, Virgin Gorda. In her remarks, she shared about her journey as a young entrepreneur and emphasized the importance of the Virgin Islands’ entrepreneurial spirit, the lifeblood of the Virgin Islands community being rooted in resilience and fuelled by innovation. She urged attendees to recognize the determined spirit of entrepreneurs at work in every corner of our islands, from the small businesses lining the streets to innovative startups and enduring family businesses. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Celebrating the Virgin Islands’ Entrepreneurial Spirit,” Mr. Ernest “Popeye” Scatliffe was presented with the Chamber Hero Award for his unwavering dedication to the community and support of the Buy BVI Trade Expo over the years.
The exhibitors were judged in the Best Biz Pitch and Most Creative Booth competition and the public was asked to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which was the booth with the best customer experience. The winners were:
- People’s Choice Award: Mr. Cekhoy Fraser of Creative Kids Nation
- Most Creative Booth: Ms. Vincia Fahie of Creative Creations
- Best Biz Pitch (tie): Mr. Allen Smith & Rickie Norman of Backit UPS & Ms. Nadia Fahie of Be Charmed