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
The event was generously sponsored by Gold Sponsors: FirstBank, Republic Bank, AZP Production; Silver Sponsor: CIBC First Caribbean International Bank; and Bronze Sponsors: Digicel, Unite BVI, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, JOMA, and the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion & Consumer Affairs. The Chamber is especially thankful to Unite BVI and Banco Popular for sponsoring the registration fees of a combined total of eleven (11) businesses. The public was treated to door prizes donated by local businesses including exhibitors.
"The Buy BVI Trade Expo 2024 was a testament to the resilience and creativity of our local business sector," said Ms. Lauralee Mercer, BVI Chamber of Commerce’s Events Coordinator. "We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback from both exhibitors and attendees. This event not only showcased the best of what our local economy has to offer but also strengthened the bonds between the BVI and USVI business communities." Photos of the event can be viewed on the Chamber’s social media channels.
"The Buy BVI Trade Expo 2024 was a testament to the resilience and creativity of our local business sector," said Ms. Lauralee Mercer, BVI Chamber of Commerce’s Events Coordinator. "We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback from both exhibitors and attendees. This event not only showcased the best of what our local economy has to offer but also strengthened the bonds between the BVI and USVI business communities." Photos of the event can be viewed on the Chamber’s social media channels.
About BVI Chamber of Commerce
The BVI Chamber of Commerce (BVICoC), formerly known as the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), is a non-government, not-for-profit organization that has been the voice of business for 55 years and supports the business community through advocacy for a business-friendly environment, training resources, and networking events that empower, educate, and equip businesses for their success.
For more information, email info@bvichamber.org or call 345-3513.
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Lauralee Mercer Events Coordinator
- May 23, 2024
- (284) 345-3513
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