News

Six Junior Achievement (JA) companies showcased their unique products at the Cayman Agricultural Show, on Wednesday 14 February. It was a great experience for all the high school students who had learned the importance of working together in teams to market and sell their products. But it was also good news for visitors to the show who were looking for some special and unusual gifts to give to their loved ones:
“At the moment we are doing flowers for Valentine's Day,” said Jenese Simms President of ‘Crafted’ which makes beautiful flowers out of wire. “We have different bundles at different prices, as well as Caymanite pieces and larger decorative pieces. Our cheapest is a single flower for three dollars and the price range moves up to a bouquet for ten dollars,” Jenese continued. “I think the biggest thing that we’ve learned is how to work professionally and that is very important. Being part of this JA company is developing that professional presence in the office while working together and having a great time creating a product.”
The JA Companies Programme encourages the Year 11 students, drawn from Cayman’s high schools, to gain real-life experience developing their own products and marketing strategies, with the help of experienced business advisors who volunteer to guide the students. Around 12 students, aged between 15 to 18, form the companies, creatively using their talents to form teams that create, market, and sell unique products.
Michael McKogg 15, said: “We are the Junior Achievement Company from Brac, and our company name is ‘On Da Brac.’ We are selling some tumblers, some mugs, and some bracelets. I have learned that working together is always better than working alone.”
Another JA company, ‘Cutting Edge,’ has come up with a brilliant idea for recycling, as 16-year-old Cassie Johnson explained: “We are a Junior Achievement company that is sponsored by Cayman Airways, and we make products from recycled pallets that we collect from businesses around the island. What we do with these pallets is sand them down, pull them apart, and make them into signs, trays, and shelves. What I’ve learned most of all is the importance of teamwork. We have been able to collaborate as a group, communicate ideas, and make a creative product.” In the afternoon, three more JA companies set up their tables at the show.
“Beaded and Braided,” makes beautiful and unique jewelry, while Prop-A-Plant” is a company focusing on plant propagation, and “Interlocked,” makes beautifully original jewelry holders.
If you would like to support JA by volunteering or through sponsorship opportunities, then contact Swan Sandoval at the Chamber 743-9124 swan.sandoval@caymanchamber.ky or visit the JA Cayman website: https://www.jacayman.ky/