Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. officially launched the third annual Governor’s Workforce Development Summit on Tuesday, aimed, Government House said, at empowering the community to “Seize the Moment: Take Charge of Your Tomorrow.”
Held on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, this year’s summit is a cornerstone of the Bryan-Roach Administration’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, the press release stated.
The governor, alongside Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy, participated in the opening session, the press release stated.
The summit brings together stakeholders from across the U.S. Virgin Islands to focus on strategies and opportunities for building a skilled and resilient workforce, the release said.
Bryan hosted a panel discussion, titled “Leveraging Partnerships for Economic Growth and Sustainability.” Panelists included:
- President and CEO Keith O’Neale, Jr., O’Neale’s Transport Inc.
- President/CEO Samuel Rey, Host-U Services & Training Consultants.
- President David Hall, University of the Virgin Islands.
- CEO Jed John Hope, Strategy Finance Technology.
The panel delved into crucial topics, emphasizing the role of a skilled workforce in driving economic growth and sustainability in the territory, the release stated.
Discussions revolved around aligning workforce development with key industries and sectors, attracting and retaining talent locally, and leveraging workforce development as a catalyst for overall community prosperity, according to the release.
The first day of the summit, held at Caribbean Cinemas, saw hundreds of attendees, including several dozen high school students from St. Croix and representatives from various St. Croix businesses, it said.
The engagement of the territory’s youth and the private sector underscores the collective commitment to shaping a better future for the Virgin Islands, the release stated.
Bryan highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Seize the Moment: Take Charge of Your Tomorrow,” as it aligns with the territory’s low unemployment rates of 3.4 percent on St. Thomas and St. John and 3.7 percent on St. Croix, according to the release. The governor emphasized the urgent need for skilled labor and the opportunities available as the administration continues to transform the territory’s infrastructure and economy, it said.
Following his remarks Tuesday, the governor thanked Executive Director Sonia Boyce and members of the Virgin Islands Workforce Development Board for their continued efforts and for their work bringing to fruition this year’s summit, the release stated.
“The 2023 Governor’s Workforce Development Summit stands as a testament to our dedication to the prosperity of the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said. “Together, we will seize this moment to shape a brighter tomorrow, where our skilled workforce drives sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all,” he said.
To view the Governor’s Workforce Summit, click here.
