 The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, in collaboration with strategic partners on Monday 8th November, officially launched Global Entrepreneurship Week. The week is recognized as one of the biggest celebrations of innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. During this week, people the world over via local, national and global activities are inspired to explore their potential as self-status and innovators. Honourable Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Corporatives and Consumer Affairs, explained that the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well in St. Lucia, especially amongst the youth. Recently, we have seen at the ministry an influx in the number of young persons taking the bold step of registering their businesses. This is very heartwarming for us at the ministry, as this is one of the targeted groups in our upcoming interventions. We do believe that the youth can make a meaningful contribution to society and also provide a livelihood for themselves instead of seeking employment. In response to the challenges facing the youth, our prime minister has placed youth high on our agenda with the youth economy program, which plans to provide tailored incentives in the form of grants and low interest loans that the youth can benefit from. In the meantime, I am imploring you to take advantage of any opportunity that would assist your business in its growth and development. Entrepreneurs, young and old, just get ready and get moving. Activities for the week range from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connecting entrepreneurs to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors, introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities. Global entrepreneurship week over the years has inspired millions to take the next step and explore their business potential, while gaining new connections and increased collaborations to strengthen their business and the entrepreneurial community. Karen Peter is the president of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, along with its affiliate programs of junior achievement and St. Lucia Youth Business Trust, are exceedingly pleased to once again hold and put on in our own small way Global Entrepreneurship Week, GEW. GEW 2021 comes at a time, in my view, where we truly need entrepreneurs. We need entrepreneurs to help us lead our country into a brighter future. We need entrepreneurs who are bold and brave, and while we see problems and challenges, they see opportunities and solutions. This movement, originally a government-backed campaign to connect youth, women, home workers and ethnic minorities to enterprise opportunities, must now be an all-of-nation movement in St. Lucia. Global Entrepreneurship this year is being celebrated from the 8th to the 14th of November. The initiative launched in 2008 and has since grown to 125 countries with 24,008 partner organizations, planning 33,846 activities that directly engage millions of participants every year.