The digital economy and youth empowerment were key focus points of World Investment Week in the Virgin Islands, according to BVI Finance.
The global event, which takes place annually in 118 jurisdictions across the globe, aims to promote “investor education, protection and financial responsibility,” organisers said.
Throughout last week, BVI Finance joined the Financial Services Commission and other industry partners to deliver educational activities designed to boost investment literacy and digital awareness among young people in the territory.
During the events, work shops were hosted for students from El-more Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, the Ciboney Centre for Excellence, and Bregado Flax Educational Centre.
The interactive sessions covered topics including the digital future of money, investment opportunities, and risk management in a rapidly changing financial environment.
‘Finance challenge’
The workshops culminated with the “Barracuda Bay Digital Finance Challenge,” which saw student teams tasked with designing and pitching a digital coin concept designed to solve a “real-world community issue,” according to BVI Finance.
The agency said the challenge encouraged “critical thinking, teamwork and creativity — core skills for the next generation of financial leaders.”
After a round of presentations, the teams from the VI School of Technical Studies and Bregado Flax Educational Centre emerged as the 2025 Barracuda Bay Champions.
Guest speakers at the work shops included Simone Martin of Ignus Solutions and Jason McPherson of VP Bank, who explored trends in financial technology and digital investment strategies. Future innovators Rhodni Skelton, BVI Finance’s director of marketing and business development, said the initiative was about instilling life skills.
“It’s not just about understand ing money,” Mr. Skelton said in a statement. “It’s about inspiring future innovators who will shape the BVI’s role in the global financial services landscape.”
He also praised the role of the partnering agencies.
“Partnering with the FSC for World Investor Week allows us to engage the territory’s youth directly in conversations about the digital economy,” he said.
World Investment Week is aglobal initiative of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions.