He added that he was aware of the difficulties experienced by some students whose classes at tertiary levels often class with YES sessions. He revealed that it was the Ministry’s intention going forward, to have YES courses certified by the University of the West Indies, in order to help alleviate some of the pressure experienced by students.

“I’ve asked the [YES] manager to interact with the University of the West Indies through the continuing studies [programme], where your programme and the next cohort more than likely will be certified. The fact that you are here immediately after COVID, I think that we should try to see how best that we can [cooperate] with you to ensure that you are certified as far as this programme is concerned.”

Griffith told the 42 graduates that they must also expand the availability of their products and services to international markets if they wish to see their brands grow.

“I would suggest to you that we have missions in several countries — Africa, Europe, all over the place — and hence Barbados must not be your destination for you to take flight, circle and land. You must try to go to another destination with your product, with your services, whatever it is, [because] you cannot see Barbados as the only destination for your own journey.”