The recent completion of a Seed Mentor Training Programme by ten residents from Fond St. Jacques has positioned the west coast community to better market its culinary attractions.
The ten Seed Mentors underwent two months of intensive training in food preparation as part of a collaborative initiative – the Community Business Revitalization Project – undertaken by the Taiwan Technical Mission, Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, and Fond St. Jacques Development Committee.
Topics during the 90-hour training included product planning, business development, customer service, marketing, sustainable food production, and food safety. Training was facilitated by Mrs. Jordann Norbert, CEO/Lead Trainer of EcoFood Training and Certification Agency, and Chef Orlando Satchell, proprietor of Orlando’s Restaurant and Bar.
A graduation ceremony was held in Fond St. Jacques on Friday, August 23, where the ten participants were presented with certificates of completion and encouraged to become the torch bearers for the community’s increasingly popular culinary appeal.
Remarking on the achievements made by the Seed Mentors, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs and Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques, thanked the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their continued support to Saint Lucia’s socio-economic development.
Hon. Hippolyte noted that the culinary training was timely as Fond St. Jacques prepares to host its first-ever Dasheen Festival on Saturday, September 28. She said the training programme fits perfectly into government’s goal of empowering people to become sustainably employed, thereby ensuring socio-economic development.
“What (this project) does is provide energy to the other programmes that you’re doing, such as the Eco-Tourism Park,” Hon. Hippolyte said. “About two weeks ago, we had the graduation of over 60 young persons in entrepreneurship.”
She added: “I want to congratulate you for your resilience and commitment in terms of continuing the course; this is critical.”
Hon. Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, told the Seed Mentors to be the agents of positive change within their community. She said the collective impact they now possess to transform the community should not be underestimated.
“Let us reflect on the transformative power of education and mentorship,” Hon. Dr. Antoine-Prospere stated. “The seeds that have been planted in you are not just metaphorical; they represent real, tangible change. When we speak of sustainable development, this is what we mean: that a seed is planted in you and we expect that seed to be planted in so many other people in the constituency and beyond.”
Mr. Daniel Lee, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission, said the programme was a perfect example of people empowering themselves and their community. He noted that when people are empowered with knowledge, they essentially have more control over their lives and are more marketable.
Lee commended Hon. Emma Hippolyte’s leadership and her team at the Ministry of Commerce for their remarkable support to this initiative. He also commended the teams at the Taiwan Technical Mission and Fond St. Jacques Development Committee for their dedication to seeing the programme becoming a success. He also had some encouraging words for the Seed Mentors.
“To the participants, I congratulate all of you for finding the time and energy to commit yourselves to developing your skills during the two months of training,” Lee said. “May you continue to be great examples to your community as you empower the MSMEs who need your support and guidance. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
Lee added: “The Taiwan Technical Mission remains committed to advancing the socio-economic development of Saint Lucia and I look forward to more fruitful initiatives such as today’s event.”
Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager at the Taiwan Technical Mission, said the Community Business Revitalization Project and Seed Mentor Programme represents a significant step forward in efforts aimed at empowering the local community and fostering an environment for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Fond St. Jacques.
“The CBR Project is about fostering sustainable growth within the community,” Tsou explained. “We recognize the role that MSMEs play in the economy and we also understand the challenges that they face.”
Tsou added that: “When a seed is planted, it grows and eventually produces seeds of its own. Similarly, these Seed Mentors aim to address the challenges by establishing an ecosystem of knowledgeable individuals within the community. They will nurture and guide aspiring and existing MSME owners.”
Mr. Alvinaus Simon, Business Development Officer in the Ministry of Commerce, said the certicate ceremony was a significant milestone for the economic and business development of Fond St. Jacques. He said that from the beginning of the programme, Fond St. Jacques faced challenges that required innovative solutions, fresh ideas, and that courageous actions had to be taken. He urged the Seed Mentors to guide new entrepreneurs, support struggling businesses and help others discover their potential.
“By doing so, you will not only contribute to the success of individual businesses, but also to the overall well-being and economic development of your community,” Simon told the Seed Mentors. “As you step into your role as Seed Mentors, your leadership and love for community will set the tone to create a future where Fond St. Jacques thrives, where businesses succeed, provide innovation and creativity, and where every business has the chance and fair opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Other guests at the certificate ceremony included Mr. Harold Dalson, Chairman of the Soufriere Marine Management Association; Mrs. Selena Chang, Deputy Counselor of the Taiwan Embassy; Mrs. Jordann Norbert, CEO/Lead Trainer of EcoFood Training and Certification Agency; and featured speaker Chef Orlando Satchell, proprietor of Orlando’s Restaurant and Bar.