The courtyard of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School was transformed into a bustling marketplace on Monday, 23rd February 2026, as the school hosted its first-ever Kidpreneur Fair — proudly dubbed the “Gatorpreneur Fair” in honour of its mascot, the Gator.
Students stepped confidently into the role of young business owners, showcasing products and services born from imagination, planning and determination. In attendance were the Hon. Minister Kyle Hodge; Chief Education Officer Mr. Bren Romney; Ms. Waynika Romney of the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation; alongside parents, teachers and fellow students.
Principal Ms. Estelle Laurent-Carter welcomed attendees to what she described as a proud milestone for the school community. Vivien Vanterpool Primary School is now the third primary school on the island to host a Kidpreneur Fair, following Morris Vanterpool Primary and Orealia Kelly Primary.
“I have seen the dedication, the creativity, and the hard work put in by so many of you to bring this day – this event to life,” Ms. Laurent-Carter declared. “Your commitment is the reason we can showcase such imaginative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. We are thrilled, to host our inaugural Gatorpreneur Fair and eager to see the innovations on display.”
Her anticipation was palpable as she added, “When the ribbon is cut and the fair begins, I know you will share in our excitement as you explore each stall, meet our young entrepreneurs and celebrate their achievements… our children have some amazing things that they want to share with you today.”
Chief Education Officer Mr. Bren Romney underscored the deeper purpose behind the colourful stalls and cheerful sales pitches. “Our students have taken ideas from their imaginations and turned them into products and services they can proudly share with us. That’s what entrepreneurship is all about. Seeing a need, creating a solution, and being brave enough to try.”
He reminded the young participants that the skills they were developing would serve them well beyond primary school. “You are learning important life skills — planning, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and money management. These are skills that will serve you whether you become business owners or artists or engineers, teachers or leaders in any field.”
He also congratulated the school on its partnership with the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation, whose work continues to promote entrepreneurial thinking among the island’s youth.
That foundation’s coordinator, Ms. Waynika Romney, delivered remarks that were part pep talk, part affirmation session and wholly inspiring. Addressing the students directly, she said, “I want the children to know that you are amazing. We applaud all our children… it’s not only an applause for your businesses here today, it’s for your planning, it’s for your ideas, it’s for your passion for entrepreneurship.”
She led the young entrepreneurs in a series of affirmations: “I believe in myself… I am a creative… I work hard… I support my fellow Kidpreneurs.” Her message was clear — entrepreneurship is not only about profit, but about confidence, resilience and collaboration.
With that, the ceremonial ribbon was cut, officially signalling the start of the Gatorpreneur Fair — and the courtyard erupted into motion.
Colourful booths lined the courtyard, each decorated with hand-drawn or digitally made signs and carefully arranged products. The scent of popcorn drifted through the air, mingling with the sweetness of lemonade and frozen treats — welcome relief from Monday morning heat.
Young vendors sold homemade pastries, hotdogs, patties, popcorn, lemonade, and icy delights. Others offered handmade jewellery, keychains, bows, toys and accessories. Some students operated solo ventures, while others formed business partnerships, embodying Ms. Romney’s earlier emphasis on collaboration. Throughout the morning, students could be seen stepping away from their own booths to patronise their classmates’ businesses — practising the very spirit of mutual support they had pledged to uphold.
It was another glimpse into Anguilla’s future — one where innovation begins early and confidence is cultivated intentionally. What these children were learning extended beyond pricing and presentation. They were discovering that they could create, lead and potentially one day employ others. They were being shown that enterprise is not something distant or abstract — it can begin in a school courtyard.
The Gatorpreneur Fair stood as the 3rd successful chapter in Anguilla’s growing Kidpreneur movement, supported by the Anguilla Youth Business Foundation and embraced by the island’s primary schools. With three schools now having hosted fairs, anticipation is building for the remaining primary schools to follow suit.
By Janissa Fleming