The countdown begins!
The Grenada Trade Centre was abuzz with activity as thirteen secondary schools put the final touches to their showcase booths for the 2013 annual Junior Achievement Trade Fair.
Former Governor–General Sir Carlyle Glean and Mrs Glean purchasing product
This much anticipated Trade Fair provided the opportunity for each school’s ‘company’ to showcase their unique product and service offerings to the community and generate further sales. This year’s carefully selected creations included entertainment, designs and artwork, confectionery, jewellery as well as cultural entertainment and activities geared towards preserving Grenada’s heritage.
A feature of the event is the judging that takes place. Each company booth is visited by a contingent of judges who award points based on their assessment in a number of areas: Best Decorated Booth — cleanliness, use of local material, and creativity; Most Outstanding Booth — Presentation of product, packaging and branding, use of technology, division of labour; and Best Customer Service in the areas of confidence, sales techniques and product knowledge and clarity.Last year, 2012 Junior Achievement Champions, the CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank sponsored Fruttii-D-litez, exceeded all expectations by going on to capture second place at the ‘Company of the Americas Competition’ held in Uruguay at the end of November that year. The team competed against twenty-one teams from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Support from the corporate and private sector continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the programme through sponsorship. US Aid, St. George’s University and CIBC FirstCaribbean ensures that the JA Programme for the Caribbean and Americas continues. Additionally, other locally-based companies such as GRENLEC, Hubbard’s, RUBIS, GUT Co-operative Credit Union, Scotia Bank, Digicel, Republic Bank, Public Service Credit Union, NIS, Grenville Co-operative Credit Union, Quinn Co., Budget Marine and Spice Island Marine Services all contribute to the students’ success through further sponsorship and volunteering as mentors /facilitators.
The Junior Achievement Programme, which was founded in 1986, continues to play a key role in the preparation of secondary school students for life in the business community. Students expressed their delight at being able to participate in the programme and are looking forward to a healthy competition and the highly anticipated award ceremony where final scores will be revealed.
