The St. Lucia Youth Business Trust (SLYBT) celebrated its first Anniversary on Thursday November 15th 2012, at the Auberge Seraphine Hotel. During the initial year, the Trust has provided young entrepreneurs with business plan assistance, training, mentorship support, networking opportunities while building partnerships with several organizations and institution locally and regionally including non-traditional partners like the Bordelaise Correctional Facility.
A commemorative ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of operations took place where two beneficiaries of the Trust provided testimonials. Mrs. Malica St. Rose and Mr. Rankin Morgan spoke to the assistance she received from the SLYBT. Mrs. St. Rose lauded “SLYBT’s efforts pointing specifically to the assignment of mentors who were able to guide and help her formulate a business plan which is helping to create future financial security and stability for her business, KD’s Frootz”.
Mr. Rankin Morgan noted “I am a product of the Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust” and testified that the Trust lived up to his expectations, especially with the provision of mentorship support which he described as the Trusts’ distinguishing characteristic and ingredient. Mr. Morgan has since publish the first issue of his magazine, “Dazzle Magazine” geared towards showcasing young St. Lucian entrepreneurs and professionals who are creating opportunities for themselves and others. Mr. Morgan further went on to encourage young entrepreneurs to “take advantage of the SLYBT programs” and also encouraged the wider businesses community especially members of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce to support the Saint Youth Business Trust on its quest to improve the environment for local young entrepreneurs.”
The features address was delivered by Honorable Lorne Theophilus, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries. In his address the Honorable Minister outlined his Ministry’s plan for the Creative Industries Sector and the opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.
SLYBT celebrated its anniversary during the observance of Global Entrepreneurship Week which was hosted by the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture for the second year n St. Lucia. The Trust felt that this period was an opportune and fitting time to celebrate entrepreneurship in St. Lucia. The St. Lucia Youth Business Trust seeks to provide youth with an avenue for self-development. The Trust website can be accessed on www.slybt.org and persons seeking further information can contact the office of the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust at (758)452-3165.
