Junior Achievement of the Cayman Islands, now it in 23rd year, has a record number of achievers participating in their company programme. Nearly 400 students make up the 16 companies including a team from Cayman Brac.

Each of these student companies are tasked with developing a new product that can be sold throughout the year at various events. This programme teaches real-life business skills including product innovation, marketing, sales and teamwork among peers.

Throughout the month of February, Ministry officials and JA Board Members have been visiting each student company to see the products in their developmental stage.

Mr Paul Byles, President of Junior Achievement of the Cayman Islands, said the students always look forward to this annual VIP visit. “It is important that these young achievers are given an opportunity to showcase their products and get support from government as well as from our board members”, Mr Byles said. “The visiting government officials are there to answer any questions the students may have and even get involved in making the products.”

Visiting government officials include Minister Marco Archer, Minister Tara Rivers, Councillor Roy McTaggert and Councillor Winston Connolly.

“During seven or eight recent visits with various Junior Achievement companies, in addition to answering questions, learning from the students and purchasing some of their products, I was able to see first-hand how business advisors like Camille Bodden and Alyson Hay interact with and mentor these young achievers in such as positive way,” Minister Archer said.

Dart sponsor the JA company, Sokatra, who have developed a turtle toss game. All of the JA company teams have a corporate sponsor that work with and mentor these students throughout the programme.

JA Cayman Islands also offers a portfolio of classroom programmes including ‘Career Success’ for high schoolers, ‘Economic for Success’ middle schoolers, and ‘Ourselves’ for kindergarteners.

For more information on Junior Achievement and to find out how to volunteer, visit www.jacayman.ky or call 949-4306.hievers get VIP visit from Government