|
| |
Contact:
Shannon Lebourne
Monday, December 7, 2009 – The Government of Saint Lucia says more
opportunities will be available to the youth shortly, to broaden their scope in
business and personal development, with the soon to be launched Youth Enterprise
Equity Fund.
The fund will be managed by the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB).
The institution's Director Mr. Jn. Francois Sonson, says the fund is being
finalised as the SLBD is presently reviewing some of its products and services,
to better respond to an evident demand for financial assistance from the
citizenry.
He says the Youth Enterprise Equity Fund is designed to support a new era of
entrepreneurship in Saint Lucia.
“Very soon we will be launching some additional products and one which I want to
mention now is the “Youth Enterprise Equity Fund” which was actually announced
by the prime minister in this year's budget. We are in a very advanced stage of
finalising this product and I am hoping that we can launch this very soon to
make an impact on our young people by ensuring that they can find the resources
to become entrepreneurs and in fact be the future entrepreneurs of this
country,” Sonson noted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Honourable Stephenson King,
has pledged government’s continued support and commitment to the Saint Lucia
Development Bank (SLDB).
Mr. King says from all indications the bank is fulfilling its mandate to support
and stimulate socio-economic growth in the country.
“Ever since it was re-established in September 2008 the Saint Lucia Development
Bank (SLDB), has been providing financing and technical assistance to promote
socio-economic development in Saint Lucia in the areas of agriculture,
manufacturing, industry, tourism services, housing and human resource
development—specifically through student loans for tertiary education. The
response from the public to the re-establishment of the SLDB has been
overwhelming,” the prime minister said.
The Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), officially opened its doors to the
public on February 22 ,2009.
|
