Holy Trinity School in Codrington became a showcase of youthful ambition and ingenuity on July 4th, 2026, as more than 30 young entrepreneurs — ranging in age from five to 18 — gathered for the annual Antigua and Barbuda Young Entrepreneurs Tradeshow (ABYETS). According to Antigua Observer, the event gave full meaning to its slogan: "Big Things by Little People."
The exhibition followed the programme's successful retreat at River Run on June 20th, 2026. It brought together enterprising young people and their families, united by a shared commitment to identifying and nurturing the talents and professional skills of the next generation.
The breadth of skills on display was remarkable. Young fishers and fishmongers sold fresh catch alongside retail butchers offering deer meat. Car detailers washed and detailed vehicles on-site, while a young barber delivered haircuts to willing clients. Face painters, cosmetologists, nail technicians and eyelash technicians offered their services throughout the day. HVAC technicians demonstrated their trade tools, block-layers worked live on-site, and young journalists recorded, broadcast and reported on the proceedings.
Bakers and pastry chefs presented unique confections, chefs served stuffed shellfish and lobster thermidor, and carnival-food retailers sold roasted corn and cotton candy. Fresh fruit and local drink vendors, retail goods sellers, jewellery artisans, visual artists and even a published teenage author rounded out what was an extraordinary display of skill, talent, networking and community spirit.
Among the standout participants was 14-year-old A.J., the young force behind A.J. Construction. Guided by his contractor stepfather, A.J. was on-site mixing mortar and laying blocks around a steel framework — trowel in hand, buttering blocks with the confidence of a seasoned tradesman.
His ambitions extend well beyond the worksite. A.J. pointed to a strong academic foundation as central to his goals.
"My favorite subjects in school are Maths and IT," he said.
While many of his peers are spending the summer in leisure, A.J. has his sights set on something more purposeful.
"I would like to have a part-time job doing construction over the summer," he said.
A.J. is supported by parents committed to continuing a proud family legacy in the construction industry. His journey reflects the core message championed by the Community Charitable Ministry (CCM): that nurturing a child's talent from an early age is essential to long-term personal and professional development.
He also had straightforward advice for his peers: "Work hard and believe in yourself."
