Economic growth remains a major focus of the Tobago House of Assembly.

And Secretary of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour Marslyn Melville-Jack believes entrepreneurship training will contribute to economic growth on the island.

“The Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour was mandated to utilize the Vocational Skills Training Programme within communities to facilitate capacity building and enterprise development among our residents,” Melville-Jack said at Wednesday’s (May 22) post Executive Council media briefing.

The Community Development Secretary said greater flexibility boosted the programme’s growth.

“I am happy to report that an expansion in course offerings and the introduction of day and evening classes moved enrolment to, from 525 persons in 2016 to 772 in 2017 and 1,059 in 2018,” she said.

That trend has continued this year.

“Registration numbers are well over 1,300 persons at this time,” Melville-Jack said despite the $100 registration fee for persons gainfully employed. She said the results yielded “well over $100,000”.

“Within our hands lies the ability to create our own wealth,” Melville-Jack said, referring to the skills participants have gained in the programme.

Entrepreneurs can also receive support through grants from the Division’s Business Development Unit (BDU) programme.