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by pltm
The BVI's first daily online news, BVI Platinum News was voted as the Best Online News Site, and awarded during the first ever Best of the BVI Businesses Award Ceremony, hosted by the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs last evening, April 6 at UP's Cineplex.
The cocktail reception saw several businesses in various categories receiving awards tied to the initiative, which was part of the observance of Trade Entrepreneurial Week.
The nominees for Best Online News Site were Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), BVI News, BVI Hot Press, and BVI Platinum News.
Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher said that voting was strictly done by members of the public, noting that the voting was overwhelming.
(PLTM) - Other businesses awarded as outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs in the Territory were Most Romantic Restaurant-BananaKeet; Best Radio-ZROD FM 103.7; Best Bank-Banco Popular; Best Cellular Service-CCT; Best Spa-A Touch of The Caribbean Day Spa; Best Photographer-John F. Black; Best Ferry Service-Speedy's; Best Clothing Store-Royal Shop; and Best Local Hotel-Maria's By The Sea.
Best Hair Salon was awarded to Eclipse Beauty Salon; Best Contractor-James Todman; Best Insurance Company-NAGICO; Best Band-VIBE; and Best Trucking Company-Platinum Trucking.
NAGICO Insurance also won the award for the business with the most overall votes.
"We thought it was fitting today to honour those persons who were the best in their craft...These persons who won these awards were voted by you the public. The Department of Trade just got the ballots; we had nothing to do with this. It was a very transparent, wonderful and exciting process," Mrs. Christopher commented.
The week is being observed under the theme, “Leveraging businesses through Sustainability, Innovation and Financial Accountability”.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, who delivered remarks at the event, praised Mrs. Christopher on the work she has been doing. He also used the opportunity to reiterate his government's commitment to the business community.
Hon. Marlon Penn, Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion commented that they have been on a journey to develop and nurture the business sector of the BVI, pointing out that the business sector is the engine of the economy.
Today, April 7, the department will host a workshop in Virgin Gorda titled, “Maximise Your Marketing” from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Village Café conference room. This workshop is part of the Caribbean Overseas Small Medium Enterprises (COSME) programme.
The activities will officially end on Thursday, April 20 with a School Entrepreneurial Spirit Competition at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H.L. Stoutt Community College at 5:30p.m.
Groups of up to four students from each participating secondary school will pitch their designs for a re-imagined school uniform. They will be judged for the innovation of their design and the quality and effectiveness of their delivery before a live panel of judges and audience. Prizes will include tours of regional and international university campuses.
