The recent launch of a new Community Cornerstone newsletter seeks to celebrate the authentic essence of community businesses as part of the Community Business Revitalization Project.
The Community Business Revitalization Project, a collaboration of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) and Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, which was launched in August last year, aims to bolster Saint Lucian businesses and foster a supportive environment for growth and innovation.
The first issue of the Community Cornerstone newsletter focuses on Fond St. Jacques and comprises articles that highlight four dasheen farmers from the community, types of dasheen, fun facts about dasheen, dietary benefits of dasheen, health benefits of dasheen, and dasheen recipes. It will be made available for free to supermarkets, schools, restaurants, villas, and hotels.
Produced by the Taiwan Technical Mission and Fond St. Jacques Development Committee, the edition celebrates Fond St. Jacques’ reputation as the dasheen capital of Saint Lucia and promotes the community’s hosting of its Dasheen Festival from August 3-4 this year.
During the official launch held on Wednesday, May 15, H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said that similarly to Saint Lucia, dasheen plays an important role in Taiwanese cuisine. He said he hoped the newsletter will sensitize Saint Lucians on the importance of the starch-rich edible tuber which has other health benefits.
“Through the promotion of this newsletter, I hope everyone can appreciate and value Saint Lucia’s local dasheen more and participate in the Dasheen Festival in Soufriere this August, to exchange knowledge about dasheen, cultivation and cooking techniques,” stated Ambassador Chen.
Ambassador Chen thanked Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, and the many other stakeholders who made the newsletter a reality. He also reaffirmed the Government of Taiwan’s commitment to work with the Government of Saint Lucia to develop community business initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Saint Lucians.
Meanwhile, Hon. Hippolyte underscored the importance of the newsletter, noting that it will promote a more cohesive and supportive business environment that encourages inclusiveness and equality.
“I encourage all residents of Fond St. Jacques and environs to actively participate in this initiative,” said Hon. Hippolyte, who is also Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques. “Share your stories, provide feedback and use this platform to its fullest potential, so that together we can create communities where businesses and citizens not only survive, but also flourish.”
The newsletter is dedicated to sharing the rich insights of the community of Fond St. Jacques and celebrating what is authentically Saint Lucian, noted Ms. Sophia Alfay-Henry, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs. She stated that a similar venture is earmarked for Laborie in the future.
“The Community Cornerstone newsletter is more than just a collection of articles; it is a reflection of community spirit and a testament to the unique character that defines us,” Alfay-Henry explained. “Our aim is to shine a light on the stories, achievements and traditions that make us who we are. Through this newsletter, we will explore the diverse voices and experiences that enrich the community. We will celebrate the small businesses that add flavour, the local artisans who inspire us, and the community leaders who work tirelessly to make a difference.”
Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager at the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, said the newsletter will spotlight the vast business talents and open Fond St. Jacques to a wider customer base. He noted that community branding, cohesion and a strong sense of pride among residents are among the many benefits the newsletter aims to introduce in the southwestern agricultural community.
“The purpose of this newsletter is to showcase Saint Lucia’s diverse scenery,” said Tsou. “The newsletter aims to introduce diverse and captivating scenery of the Fond St. Jacques community, offering readers a glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness. Secondly, it aims to provide exposure and visibility for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the local community.”
Also upbeat about the newsletter’s launch was Mrs. Sandra Prospere, President of the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee, who thanked all stakeholders who made the newsletter a reality, saying it will promote and market the community locally, regionally and internationally, thereby attracting much-needed business. She said the newsletter also creates a sense of belonging and inclusiveness by residents of Fond St. Jacques, adding that it also marked the realization of a dream.
“This newsletter plays a crucial role in fostering engagement and building strong connections,” said Prospere. “We envisage it will serve as a valuable communication tool, allowing our organization to share updates, news and relevant information about the community, keeping members informed, connected and engaged.”