Manchester celebrates young achievers with awards show
Published:Saturday | July 19, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Tamara Bailey, Gleaner Writer
Mandeville, Manchester:
It is always a great experience to be acknowledged and awarded for one's efforts in the field of entrepreneurship and national development. It is to this end that specific entities and stakeholders in Mandeville have coined and staged the 'Manchester People's Choice Award' particularly for young entrepreneurs in the parish.
The Manchester People's Choice Award (MPCA), in collaboration with the All-Parish High School Reunion (APHSR), will host its third staging this August and will see young business owners in the parish receive an award of excellence from the Grevo2Production (G2P) team. Human resource and commercial entities that have successfully contributed to the growth and development of the parish are also expected to be acknowledged.
iNNOVATIVE QUALITIES
"For this year's grand celebration, young entrepreneurs will receive a special award for their innovative entrepreneurial qualities. Among the listed entities that are said to receive this outstanding award are Herboo Enterprise - operated by a team of five Northern Caribbean University (NCU) students; Bartley's All in Wood - led by managing director Lacey-Ann Bartley; and Aviola Accessories, led by managing director Melissa Preddie," said Shanice Nation, the event's public relations officer.
Nation continued: "As these young entrepreneurs all capitalise on Jamaica's natural resources, they have thus far helped to boost the image of the parish as far as new and fresh business ideas are concerned. Herboo Enterprise provides 100 per cent herbal products. Their main product is the herbal shampoo, made from Jamaican sorrel, among other natural additives. Bartley's All in Wood provides all-natural hand-made wooden pieces and jewellery crafted from real Jamaican wood; as Aviola Accessories are made from recycled plastic bottles."
Having been inspired by Jamaica's 50th celebrations, the MPCA will continue to acknowledge those who have dedicated their time and service to the development of the parish. The nominees for 2014 for special awards expressed their delight and talked about what the event meant to them.
NEEDED EXPOSURE
"I think it's something that has been long overdue and is one of the best things to happen in Manchester. Young entrepreneurs like me are given exposure to the wider society and this helps us to basically help each other and to share a bond" said managing director of Herboo Enterprise Javin Williams.
President and founder of Country Style Community Tourism Network Villages/Businesses Marguerite Diana McIntyre-Pike believes the initiative taken by the G2P production team is a platform that supports her own initiative, which is to push for continued development in all communities across Jamaica.
"This event will become a role model event as it promotes youth entrepreneurship ... across Jamaica ... [and] will certainly attract local and international investors and visitors to the parish."
The event seeks to not only award, but to motivate potential young entrepreneurs to venture into the field with confidence and to residents to give back to and help build communities.