February 6, 2024 – BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Marking a transformative leap towards youth empowerment and economic advancement, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSLU) officially launched the Saint Lucia Youth Economy Agency (YEA) Project at the Sandals Halcyon in Saint Lucia on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Under the agreement, a substantial USD7.6 million will be allocated to fuel this ground-breaking initiative, poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of more than 3000 young individuals.
The Youth Economy Project, approved in July 2023, is designed to provide business training or financing for aspiring young entrepreneurs, aged 15 to 35. As a pivotal element in promoting social inclusivity and gender responsiveness, the project is set to engage 600 young people in intensive business development, planning, marketing, and management training. Additionally, 120 youths will receive personalised business mentoring, coaching, and financial support.
Beyond individual capacity-building, the project aims to support over 3,000 young individuals, aged 18 to 25, in various enterprise activities encompassing agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, retail, and the services industries, spanning the blue, green, and orange economies.
The timely project will drive youth economic empowerment and contribute to investment and capacity development in youth-led enterprises with the ultimate goal of mitigating youth unemployment and enhancing social resilience. The project's commitment to social inclusivity and gender equality, will ensure that services, investments, and operations cater to the diverse needs of men, women, boys, and girls.
CDB Division Chief, Dr Martin Baptiste, Social Sector Division, said the historical moment, marked the Bank’s commitment to the future of Saint Lucia’s young people.
“We absolutely see the value in this as a viable development solution. This is a solemn obligation to the generations that are here that will assure that our young people will continue to thrive. The Youth Economy Project is truly transformational. This project is here because the future is now,” Dr. Baptiste said.
Mr. Bryan Vidal, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Economy Agency, said the YEA anticipated significant personal growth among its clientele.
“In providing resources to the agency, the Bank has endorsed the vision of Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre, further enabling our expanded cadre of officers to do even more to grow the youth entrepreneur ecosystem. With their assistance, we are now better poised to water the roots, and to place our clients in positions where they can bloom,” said Mr. Vidal.
Mr. Vidal noted that the YEA was pleased with the response to the project.
“The YEA was created to support Saint Lucia's young entrepreneurs through interventions including funding and training, to plant the seeds for the next generation of business leaders. From inception, we have been overwhelmed by the volume of interest from eligible persons, clearly indicative of the need for such an organisation. We are delighted that the CDB has also recognised the agency as fit for purpose,” said Mr. Vidal.
This launch reinforces the strengthened partnership between CDB and Saint Lucia since January 2023, with initiatives and agreements exceeding USD63 million in loan and grant funding, including co-financing commitments from the Government and donor partners including the InterAmerican Development and the European Investment Bank.
Castries, Saint Lucia | December 12, 2023 - The Youth Economy Agency (YEA) closed out its training programme for 2023 with more than five dozen young entrepreneurs acquiring skills and tools to take their businesses to the next level, through the Agency's Entrepreneurial Development Programme. Successful participants were awarded an Angel Fund, comprising a cash injection of Five Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$5,000.00) to invest in their business.
With an excellent success rate of 98%, this second cohort of Business Planning trainees numbered 64 in total. The first Business Planning group in June numbered 92, whilst YEA also concluded training in Introduction to Digital Marketing with a class of 60 in August.
With support from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the aspiring business owners embarked on a four-week course of instruction, including three weeks of interactive classroom sessions at the YEA office on Chaussee Road in Castries, and the ICT Access Centre on Commercial Street in Vieux Fort. Participants were then asked to produce a winning business plan to guide their own incipient ventures. Finally, they were required to pitch their business plans to an expert panel including business coaches, course facilitators, YEA officers and members of its board of directors, and representatives of partner agencies such as Export Saint Lucia and Invest Saint Lucia. The theme of this round of training was "Empowering Minds, Building Futures."
On Tuesday 12 December, the latest trainees took part in a brief certificate ceremony at the Bay Gardens Bougainvillea Conference Centre. YEA Training & Development Officer, Ms. Olivia Jn Baptiste, encouraged the recipients to see this certificate ceremony as a steppingstone to greater success. She said:
"The future is not something that just happens; it is something we create. It is a collective effort, a collaborative endeavour. Your minds, now equipped with knowledge and fortified by this training, are the architects of the futures you aspire to build. I urge you to go forth with the confidence that you are not alone in this journey. You are part of a community of empowered minds, a network of individuals who believe in the power of innovation and the potential within each one of you. Congratulations on this achievement, young entrepreneurs. As you step into the future, remember that the seeds we planted here will grow into the landscapes you dream of creating. Each certificate you hold is a testament to the resilience, the passion, and the futures you are building."
A number of special awards were presented. From Cedar Heights in Vieux Fort, the winner of the YEA award for Most Outstanding Business Plan was Mr. Josiah Antoine of Island Tea. From New Development, Soufriere, the recipient of the award for Most Innovative Business Idea was Ms. Moanna Calixte-Octave of Mo’s Products for her cocoa-based line. The YEA EcoVation Excellence Award went to agriculturist Mr. Imnah Alexander of Haven Farm, Dacretin, Choiseul. Additionally, facilitator Mrs. Deborah Nicholas-Charlery recognised Ms. Kizzie Theodore (Kizzie's Delicious Bites), Ms. Annice Jn Panel (Helen Luxury Villas), and Mr. Tennyson Estephane (Dorvil's Automobile) for their tenacity and teamwork.
The class was addressed by feature speaker, Dr. Thecla Lewis, Director of Operations and Human Resource Consultant, from Lewis Industries Ltd. His Excellency Peter Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), delivered brief remarks. And former soca monarch, Ezra "De Fun Machine" Augustin entertained the crowd with two of his hit tunes. Testimonials were also provided by Miss Jerona Antal (Decor Delivered) and Mr. Yannick Nicholas (Yanz05 Mobile Detailing).
In a little over 8 months, having opened its doors in April 2023, YEA has disbursed in excess of 350 grants, trained over 220 young people in Business Planning and Digital Marketing, and engaged a further 30 through its mentorship programme. The Agency is looking forward to supporting many more youth entrepreneurs in the year ahead.
The inaugural Investment Forum has been deemed a success. Hosted by the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) at the Finance Administration Centre on Friday, 8 December 2023, and intended to introduce over 100 young entrepreneurs to the concept of investment, the day-long event was supported by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
This first-of-its-kind engagement gave several emerging companies the opportunity to exhibit their goods and services, whilst scores of aspiring businessmen and businesswomen were able to learn from and be inspired by presentations from subject-matter experts, business coaches, and fellow young entrepreneurs from Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. Dr. Tamu Petra Browne of St. Kitts and Nevis spoke on Game Changers: Businesses of the Future – The Next Big Thing. And Mr. Raphael Saul of Barbados delivered the Feature Presentation - Investing in Youth Entrepreneurship (Millennials & Gen Z as Trailblazers). Other presenters included Dr. James Fletcher; Dr. Donatian Gustave; Mr. Clemvio Hodge; and Mrs. Dona Regis-Prosper.
Mrs. Khrystal Riviere, Chief Operations Officer of YEA, said the Forum positions burgeoning enterprises to survive and thrive:
"Today we gather, not merely as spectators, but as active participants in a crucial dialogue about the evolution of businesses from their humble beginnings in the micro stage to the towering heights of large enterprises. This Forum is a testament to the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, who with foresight and dedication has championed the cause of youth development. It is through his unwavering commitment, and the steadfast support of the Government of Saint Lucia, that we stand here today.
"This gathering would not have been possible without their vision and dedication to fostering an environment where youth entrepreneurs can thrive. In a world where resources are finite, the Prime Minister and our Government have not only spoken about the youth economy but have also allocated valuable resources to nurture it. The Youth Investment Forum is a reflection of the Government's passion and belief in the potential of our youth. It signifies a strategic move to expose microenterprises to diverse funding opportunities, guiding them through the various cycles of growth from micro and small to medium and large."
Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, said the Government of Saint Lucia expressed her pride in the work of the Agency and of the nation's young leaders:
"As a Cabinet, we are proud of what you have achieved. We are proud of the energy that the Youth Economy Agency is bringing to the work that it has to do. But it is when we work together that we will move this economy. I want to thank partners, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan)… for the support they have given to our economy in general, and you, the beneficiaries of the Youth Economy for taking that bold step."
His Excellency Peter Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) gave brief remarks at the event, declaring his Government's commitment to continued support for initiatives of this kind:
“This forum is not just a stage for listening, but a platform for collaboratively constructing the blueprint for the youth entrepreneurs. The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) remains committed to partnering with the Government of Saint Lucia to assist and invest in more young individuals in seizing entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby transforming not only individual lives, but also shaping the future of our nations.”
In advance of Friday's Investment Forum, the Agency hosted two key activities. Twelve YEA clients engaged in a two-day Investment Training programme, Understanding Investment, with the collaboration of Bank of Saint Lucia. They learned to define investment, types of investment, how to secure investment and financing, sector-specific investment options, and more. Several young entrepreneurs also took part in a Perfect Your Pitch session, where they were taught how to better present themselves and their businesses.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Saint Lucia 2023 celebrations commenced on Monday 13th November with a Launch at the Harbor Club Hotel Rodney Bay Gros Islet. Saint Lucia joined the rest of the World in marking this major global movement highlighting and celebrating the role of Entrepreneurs. Held annually for one week in November, GEW is a global platform that empowers individuals worldwide to unleash their ideas, fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship and propelling new businesses to scale.
The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, host of GEW in Saint Lucia, has been an integral part of this Global GEW movement since 2011, consistently advocating for entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth. Having Junior Achievement Saint Lucia as a major project of the Chamber for more than twenty years and then creating a Youth Business Trust, provided the foundation for profiling and promoting the Chamber's fundamental belief and support for Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurship which has driven the Chamber for its 139 years of operation. Major and critical partners and sponsors of GEW Saint Lucia 2023, include Republic Bank, Digicel, German Savings Bank, LUCLEC, the Youth Economy Agency among other who have played significant roles in supporting GEW Saint Lucia 2023.
The GEW Launch saw presentations by Republic Bank who pointed to the specific products designed to support start-ups and small business, while Digicel unfurled the suite of services available to Entrepreneurs as well as a special support program for young entrepreneurs and small business operators run by the Youth Development and Empowerment Program. The Honourable Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who had agreed to speak at the launch, was held up by some important deliberations in Cabinet, so his Special Economic Advisor Mr. Michael Willius delivered remarks on his behalf to the ceremony, which were well received. Successful and dynamic entrepreneur, Mr. Denell Florius delivered an inspiring Feature Address urging the entrepreneurs to “dream big”.
Mrs. Nikima Royer-JnoBaptiste, Digicel’s CEO and event sponsor, said of the event “With Digicel continuing to innovate and diversify, by developing a product specifically geared towards entrepreneurs, we look forward to supporting (the) Youth Business Trust and GEW in future”.
Throughout GEW, several events and activities have been planned to engage, connect, mentor and inspire entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, and support organizations to drive for an improved entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saint Lucia. The detailed calendar can be found on the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce's website www.stluciachamber.org, providing a comprehensive overview of the week's activities.
For more information on activities for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023, please contact the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture via telephone at 452 3165 or via email at
The Board of Directors of the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) has appointed Mr. Bryan Vidal to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 November 2023.
With more than two decades of financial services and leadership experience, Mr. Vidal has achieved significant success in the sector, having had the opportunity to work with both regional and international institutions. Prior to this appointment, he served as an Examiner with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). He also served as the Senior Operations Officer at the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation, and the Relationship Manager: Financial Solutions with the Royal Bank of Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis Branch.
Mr. Vidal has expertise in anti-money laundering (AML), combating terrorism (CTF) and proliferation financing (CPF), credit risk and relationship management, supervision, and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) financing.
The CEO position brings Mr. Vidal back to his roots in Saint Lucia where he served as a Customer Relationship Executive for several years with the Bank of Saint Lucia, specialising in the provision of financial services to MSME’s.
Speaking on his appointment, the new YEA CEO expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Saint Lucia.
“I feel particularly fortunate to be joining YEA at this critical time. We are all aware of the challenges faced by the youth and the MSME sector, not only in Saint Lucia but throughout the OECS. The YEA comes at a crucial time where we will be able to provide support in these areas which are dear to my heart. I would really like to thank the government and particularly Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre for understanding the needs of our youth who are involved in the MSME sector and creating the foundation for the establishment of YEA.”
Mr. Vidal is a Chartered Banker with a Master of Business Administration in Financial Services from Bangor University, Ireland; and a Master of Science degree in Finance: Economic Policy from the University of London. He is an alumnus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with a Minor in Human Resource Management.
He is also a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) with several certificates in AML/CFT and CPF. He holds certificates with UWI in Contemporary Project Management and Fundamentals of Disaster Risk Financing for Advancing Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Outside of the financial services industry, Mr. Vidal has a long history of community service having been a member of the Saint Lucia Red Cross, Saint Lucia National Trust, and other community groups.
Three young Saint Lucian entrepreneurs are being given the opportunity of a lifetime to network with like-minded young people from around the world, as part of the 2023 edition of the Global Youth Trends Forum. The Youth Economy Agency (YEA) is part of the Saint Lucia delegation attending this international event, which is being held in Taipei City, the capital of the Republic of China (Taiwan), 9-12 November. Intended to advance youth exchanges between Taiwan and those countries with which it enjoys diplomatic relations, the Forum is organised by the Youth Development Administration (YDA), Ministry of Education.
The Saint Lucian contingent includes four YEA representatives, led by Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Khrystal Riviere. Three youth entrepreneurs engaged in the Green Economy will have the opportunity to make presentations to the Forum. Mrs. Mitra Cazaubon of Narrow Way Life (Diamond, Soufriere); Ms. Chelsy Alcee of Melanaid (Sans Souci, Castries); and Mr. Kwame Joseph of Hill 20 Hydroponic Farms (Babonneau) will speak to the event's theme, Transition to a Net-Zero Green Lifestyle 2030—Act Now.
Mrs. Riviere explained why YEA is taking part in this Forum: "Why green is important is because for us as a small developing state it is really important for us to focus on sustainability - sustainable food, sustainable living. How do we leverage what God has naturally blessed us with for us to be able to survive as a people. And so what I would like for us to at least learn is how is Taiwan doing it, but also the other countries who are participating in this Global Youth Trends Forum, how are they boosting their Green Economy?"
The event agenda will be diverse and enriching, inviting young individuals in Taiwan with international involvement or experience in youth affairs to engage in discussions and exchanges with youth from various countries.The series of activities includes a two-day forum for youth from various countries to exchange ideas, engage in extensive discussions, as well as to take part in local tours and visits, and a world café discussion. All expenses are being paid by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).