By the Caribbean Journal staff

British Virgin Islands Premier Dr Orlando Smith has a message for employers: give youth a chance.

“I urge those of you who have not yet committed to hiring our young people to look closer and wherever there may be an opportunity in your firm to give one or two of them an opportunity to prove themselves,” said Smith, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Job and Career Fair yesterday.

Smith said he was committed to helping the Ministry with youth development in the territory, highlighted by the government’s new Youth Unemployment Register initiative.

“Know that this government is committed to your finding employment through all that we do,” Smith said.

The Premier pointed to a recent lowering of import duties for businesses that he said would make it easier for businesses to hire youth.

“I want to tell you to never lose hope that another, better day is coming,” Smith said. “Let your goals for yourself guide you in everything you do.”

Smith also recommended that young people use social media to connect with professionals and professional employers.