Two Saint Lucian students recently participated in the OECS Global Investment Summit, held from May 28 to 30, at the Royalton Resort in Saint Lucia.
The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) students, Sherissa St. Marie and Samaki Daniel attended the event, which aimed to connect regional and international investors, policymakers, and industry leaders driving sustainable growth across the Eastern Caribbean.
Citing the critical role that educational institutions play in this entrepreneurial development, the Bank of St. Lucia Fund Management Company sponsored the two student representatives’ attendance at the event.
Sherissa St. Marie is a Sustainable Business and Innovation student and the owner of The
Floral Oasis, launched in March 2024. The business specializes in elegant eternal flower arrangements. Samaki Daniel, a nursing student, is the owner of a small retail business that will be registered.
Business lecturer, Jacqueline Charlemagne accompanied the students to the event.
“My experience was amazing and filled with learning,” said Daniel.
St. Marie added: “I learned from this experience that with the right encouragement, even the tiniest ambitions can blossom into magnificent realities. I sincerely appreciate this opportunity and can’t wait to see where my small business, The Floral Oasis, goes from here.”
A SALCC spokesperson noted that the summit served as a platform for the students to explore investment opportunities, engage in high-level financial discussions, and expand their business networks. It also provided an opportunity to interact with the SALCC alumni who made up a significant portion of the organizing committee for this event.
Commenting on the event, Charlemagne noted, “This signifies the urgency for financial education and investment curriculum in institutions such as Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. My hope is that the College becomes part of this movement in educating students on financial literacy and investment options, foster financial independence (and) promote early investing. Most importantly, assist students in avoiding financial mistakes and pitfalls, particularly in light of the recent investment scam which affected some of our students.”
Beckles and Regis Consultancy, in collaboration with the Bank of St. Lucia, presented the students with personal investments of $500 US each. The students are
required to maintain this investment for five years, with a BOSL financial advisor providing guidance on monitoring and growing their investment.
SALCC congratulates the OGIS team for organising this inaugural investment forum and acknowledges their support and also the Beckles and Regis Consultancy for their investment in these two entrepreneurs.