JUNIOR Achievement Company of the Year (COY) 2013, Vide Boutielle All Out, who represented St. Lucia at the JA Americas Company of the Year Competition in Quito, Ecuador from November 26 to December 1, shared their experience with future Junior Achievers, the media and teachers at the Vide Boutielle Secondary School on Monday.
The team comprised students, Ms.Genel Dominique and Ms. Chelsea Tyler Berkeley and teacher advisor, Ms. Vivian Nelson. With the support of USAID and FedEx; airfare, accommodation and meals allowed the team to participate at no costs to them.
The students indicated that the trip was a life changing experience and the opportunity afforded them was indeed incredible. Networking with over 80 Junior Achievers from 20 countries across the Americas, Canada and The Caribbean, sharing best practices, team work, building self-esteem, learning to appreciate the environment they live in, viewing a range of innovative and creative products on display and the stage presentation to a panel of esteemed judges really opened their minds to their true potential.
Executive Director of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, Mr. Brian Louisy advised the students to be creative with their business ideas. He pledged the Chamber’s commitment and support as they sought to develop business acumen and entrepreneurship among the youth in St Lucia through the JA programmes and the St Lucia Youth Business Trust.