YOUNG budding entrepreneurs from Saint Lucia’s Youth Economy Agency [YEA], recently participated in the Global Youth Trends Forum initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Youth Development in Taiwan.
The Global Youth Trends Forum ran from November 9 to 12, with focus on the ‘Green’ Economy. Three YEA clients incorporated into the Green concept attended the youth forum, namely, Kwame Joseph, Mitra Cazaubon and Chelsey Alcee.
According to a YEA spokesperson, the Global Youth Trends Forum 2023 provided an amazing opportunity for our delegation to interact with other like-minded young people from every corner of the planet, and to learn more about the Taiwanese people and culture.
YEA’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) Khrystal Riviere noted that the agency has been empowering young people in many sectors, not limited to the Green Economy, but also in the Orange Economy and the Blue Economy.
“And mostly, people who just have an idea and they would like to change that idea to become something viable for themselves, their families and for society at large,” said Riviere, underlining the innovative aspect of the project.
The YEA ( COO ) acknowledged the input of the Taiwanese government in accommodating Saint Lucia at this youth forum.
She explained that the term ‘Business Eco – System’ has been coined at the youth agency, and “that business eco-system will further grow and further thrive after this forum.”
Riviere informed that several products were taken over to Taiwan. Products from another young entrepreneur, currently participating in the 2ND Cohort of YEA’s Business Planning training with her product – Zan, was also part of Saint Lucia’s display.
Regarding the young entrepreneur with the Zan product, the YEA official said “She has an amazing product line and it smells so good. It’s for the skin and it is made out of local products; turmeric, cucumber, sea moss and so on.”
What role does the agro-processing sector play in this transition? And how important is that to YEA’s projections?
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy, Riviere declared: “If there is one thing that 2020 has taught us, is how to depend on ourselves.”
She said most people began the year 2020, with “big plans” not aware of the impending consequences from the virus.
“Why Green is important is because for us, as a Small Island Developing State, it is really important for us to focus on sustainability, sustainable foods, and sustainable living,” she continued.
The YEA official noted that the Taiwan experience provided an insight into, “How is Taiwan doing it. But also, how the other countries participating in this Global Youth Trans-Forum …are boosting their Green Economy.”
YEA Client Kwame Joseph, from Babonneau, explained that he currently manages a Hydroponic Farm, where “we practice the growing of crops, using only water and nutrients.”
Over the past five years, Joseph studied in Taiwan in the field of Water and Environmental Engineering to complete a Double Major. Following in the footsteps of his parents, who were farmers, he said, “So, I infused the two to make it something more sustainable and something that can be used long-term.”
On the prospects of his business in the Saint Lucian society, Joseph said: “Hydro-Ponic farming is different from traditional farming. It makes it more sustainable …and hopefully, the goal for this business is to expand, not only locally, but also regionally. I feel it can help a lot with the problems we are currently experiencing with food shortages, and especially with ‘leafy greens.”
On the youth forum, he added: “My biggest expectation from this forum would be to make good linkages and also partnerships, not only with Taiwan, but I know there will be other participants from all around the world. And I would like to show them that although Saint Lucia is a small country, we can also do things on a level where we can help reduce things and also help in moving in the right direction towards sustainable development and SDG goals.”