Last Updated on November 25, 2023, 3:34 AM AST by Anthony Morris
To promote the development of green entrepreneurs and businesses in St Kitts and Nevis, the Small Business Development Centre has partnered with the Global Green Growth Institute to issue various green business grants.
A ceremony held at the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship on November 23 highlighted the achievements of two outstanding entrepreneurs:
Eurtha Chiverton of Kittitian Bloom and Jeune Guishard-Pine St. From the beekeepers cooperative of Kitts. Both were honoured as the newest recipients of the $10,000 grant, a testament to their innovative contributions to promoting sustainable business practices in St Kitts and Nevis.
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an international treaty organization dedicated to helping developing and emerging economies achieve strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurs Program is financially supported by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and expands on the GGGI Global Green Entrepreneurs Program.
Its main objective is to promote the development of green businesses in the Eastern Caribbean. In doing so, the program aims to create inclusive green jobs, improve sustainability and help these countries achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and specific climate action targets.
Samal Duggins, the minister responsible for the SBDC and the Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in moving the economy towards a sustainable model for small island nations.
“If you think about a green growth model, where we ask our entrepreneurs to participate in economic development activities combined with environmental sustainability, the idea of poverty reduction and social inclusion, this combination brings together exactly what we are talking about sustainable development. An island nation where we can make money strengthening our environment, including all genders, including people with disabilities, including everyone, and at the same time, we can tell the world that we stand for development.” quoted from Samal Duggins,
He thanked the grantees and emphasized the critical role of agricultural sustainability in combating climate change. He noted that these initiatives not only demonstrate but also strengthen the resilience of the farming sector to environmental challenges.
Samal Duggins thanked all those who participated in the scholarship program and congratulated the successful recipients.
GGGI offered a 12-week online training program that included mentoring, training and networking opportunities for green entrepreneurs from six OECS countries, namely
- Antigua and Barbuda,
- Commonwealth of Dominica
- Grenada,
- Saint Lucia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Vincent and the Grenadines.
Entrants, whether individuals or teams, could win $10,000 in seed funding through a business plan competition. This funding aims to develop these projects and introduce innovative solutions in the field of climate change and sustainable development in the region.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
