By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis- Mr. Geno Smithen was beaming and was all smiles, as he received some equipment complements of the Ministry of Social Development, on Friday 22nd January.
A brief ceremony was held at his newly constructed CAR WASH, located at Rawlins Village in Gingerland. The ceremony was ably chaired by Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Keith Glasgow, who showered words of praise on the young entrepreneur for making the bold move to commence his business endeavour.
He pointed to the fact that in this day and age when many young men are getting involved in anti-social behaviour and Smithen being among such vulnerable youths, it was commendable that he had opted to get involved in such a worthwhile business.
Also addressing the small gathering, was Junior Minister in the Ministry of Social Development, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams who gave a historical backdrop to the presentation ceremony.
She indicated that sometime last year, she embarked on a series of one and one community meetings across the island, with some of the vulnerable youths within the various communities. The initiative was aptly dubbed ‘Meetings on the block’. The stated purpose of such meetings was to meet the young persons in their comfort zone and find out how the Ministry good help them to live more productive lives.
During one such meeting in Rawlins, Geno indicated that he wanted to start a CAR WASH and gave details as to his business plan which included the acquisition of a piece of land; he had done some marketing and also acquired help from some other young men to get things started.
Based on that level of interest, she explained that she committed to help him from a Ministry’s perspective. She also thanked Community Development Officer, Miss Tracey Parris for her mentoring and guidance of Smithen, as he prepared his project plan.
She then officially handed over the equipment to Mr. Smithen.
The youthful entrepreneur for his part, was very brief in his thanks. He expressed gratitude to Minister Brandy-Williams; Miss Parris and all others who had assisted, for blessing him with the equipment and for helping him to ‘look forward to a brighter tomorrow.’
Pastor Steven Liburd then officially blessed the equipment and also prayed for blessings on Smithen and his family and his business endeavours.
The vote of thanks was done by Community Development Officer, Miss Tracey Parris who referred to the occasion as a ‘joyous one.’
The full range of the equipment presented included a power wash; a vacuum cleaner and a hose.