The drive to empower Dominican Youth entrepreneurs continued on Monday, as the persons who will spearhead the implementation of the Dominica Business Youth facilitation initiative began training for their task ahead.
Held at The Garraway Hotel, the workshop for orientation and training of trainers was conducted by the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) and the Commonwealth Youth Program (CYP) Caribbean Centre. Joining representatives of these organizations were the Chief Youth Development Officer, Jules Pascal and Education, Youth Affairs and Human Resource Development Minister, Vince Henderson. They all echoed the cry for a need to increase the avenues available for young persons to develop themselves. Ronald Jno Baptiste, chairman of DYBT, is confident that the organization can help fill this void. DYBT aims at facilitating young entrepreneurs in accessing financial, technical and social assistance to develop viable businesses.
“We are all aware that it is very difficult for young people without collateral to apply for loans. This initiative will provide for a loan guarantee fund which will provide young people with viable business ideas the opportunity to apply for loans at certain financial institutions for the commencement or expansion of their business,” Mr. Jno Baptiste continued “The DYBT fashioned a very adaptable program for Dominica which will ensure that every youth with sound and viable business ideas will benefit once all the requirements have been met.”
The Commonwealth youth program has given $27,000 and the Government of Dominica provided $100,000 to fund the initiative. The organizers hope that, by training applicants with little business experience before approving loans and by offering specialized training to suit the needs of more experienced individuals, their objectives will be met.
Hon. Vince Henderson threw his support behind the initiative and was confident of its success through the work of the youth division and the creativity of persons on the island. Chief Youth Development Officer Jules Pascal issued a call for others to get involved also in assisting youth development.
Representative of the Commonwealth Youth Program, Ms. Dwynette Eversley meanwhile took the time to award the Most Disciplined Award to the Dominican contingent that represented the island at the Youth Exchange Program held in Trinidad earlier this year. The contingent consisted of Clement Commodore, Roanna Joseph, Rosemund Jno Baptiste, Reny Auguiste and Jemimah Francis.
Empowered Youth- Clement Commodore and Roanna joseph with their Most Disciplined Award
Confident of success- DYBT Chairman Ronald Jno Baptiste, Vince Henderson and Jules
Pascal.
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