The Large and Youthful Turnout
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
September 27, 2012 (SKNIS)
Two emerging entrepreneurs from St. Kitts and Nevis were recently given the opportunity to present their businesses and network with peers in the region at the recent Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Khrystus Wallace, CEO of KVK Enterprises and Yahsonn Tafari of Brimstone Flavours attended the conference held under the theme “Youth Entrepreneurship: the Catalyst for a Sustainable Caribbean Economic Take-off.”
Mr. Tafari explained that the conference exceeded his expectations and created an atmosphere for networking and sharing ideas.
“We all got an opportunity to promote and market our products, businesses and services, noted Mr. Tafari. “We had opportunities to engage in discussions, ask questions and participate in presentations. Certainly my network has expanded and I have seen the possibilities for new business ideas and collaborations of some.”
Khrystus Wallace explained that a change of pace was welcomed.
“We were given the opportunity to get away from the day to day hustle and bustle to think and network. We all made powerful, lifelong connections and we are bursting with ideas.”
Pierre Liburd, Senior Youth Officer for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, who is also responsible for Youth Entrepreneurship Development, stated that the exposure was excellent for the entrepreneurs.
“I must say that the two represented themselves and the Federation well and we are looking forward to sending a larger contingent in the future.”
The two participants were supported by Youth Services in Nevis and were sponsored by The Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS). Starret Green, OAS representative, expressed that the OAS was pleased to sponsor them because they saw the opportunities that were to be gained by attending the conference.
“The OAS through the YABT was proud to sponsor the two participants as they show great potential. We want them to continue to develop both as individuals and as entrepreneurs.”
The Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Conference is held annually. This was the first time that St. Kitts and Nevis was represented.