 Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy, Cabinet Ministers, His Excellency Peter Chen, Ambassador to the Republic of China, Taiwan, Officials from the Embassy of the Republic of China, Taiwan, Permanent Secretaries, Government Officials, specially invited guests, members of the media, our viewers, good morning, and I do apologize for the late start. We will now stand for the national anthems of St. Lucia and the Republic of China, Taiwan. Please remain standing as we say a word of prayer. Aplix, could you please sign yourself, the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We will say the Lord's Prayer. Our Father who art in heaven, alone be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. But the iron is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. Heavenly Father this morning we come to give you thanks, to give you praise, to bless your holy name for your goodness, for your mercy, for your love. Father we invite your Holy Spirit on this gathering today and on this event and we ask you to be with us not only today but always. We thank you for the blessings that you've bestowed upon our country St. Lucia and our friends the People Republic of China, Taiwan. As we focus on the development of our youth we want to ask you one special favor is to embrace them, to guide them, and to get them focused on this new project. We make this prayer in the name of your Son Jesus Christ whose Lord forever and ever. Please be seated. The honor is mine to chair this very special occasion dear to my heart and I know also dear to the heart of our Honorable Prime Minister. The signing ceremony for the youth economy. Another pledge delivered to the people of St. Lucia. I will be your chairperson for the day. My name is Mondi Luz and I am the press secretary to the Prime Minister. I would now like to call on Honorable Kensen Kazeme, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, to deliver opening remarks. Morning Honorable Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of St. Lucia and Minister for the Youth Economy. Cabinet of Ministers, Honorable Peter Chen, Ambassador for the People's Republic of China on Taiwan. Senators, staff at the Embassy, media, well-wishers, St. Lucia. Good morning. I am extremely excited to be greeting you today and as the chairperson said, another promise delivered to the people of St. Lucia. I am extremely proud that as a young member of parliament and a young member of cabinet that we have a prime minister and a group of men and women in St. Lucia that understands the value of keeping their word, understands the value of ensuring that whatever they do they continue to put people first and today I could stand proud and say that this signing ceremony is indeed a historic event in St. Lucia's history. For the first time in this very beautiful island, a government, a prime minister, a cabinet of ministers have decided to genuinely put young people first. We saw five years of lip service as it pertains to the delivery of services to our young people. We saw an attempt to go on YouTube and Facebook and social media to, as they say, vaguely young people. But for the first time, genuine effort is made to ensure that the skills, the talent and the capabilities of our young people are given the impetus that is needed for it to flourish. And so today I'm indeed excited that this little young man in the community of Grusley, in the community of Labre, in the community of the valley can say I have a special skill. I have a special assignment that I know can deliver a service to our community and that I can come to a government for some assistance and it will be given to me once I put the correct proposal together. For the first time, our blue economy, young persons who are interested in the blue economy and using our shores, using our seas to ensure that economic activities are developed along our shores, can come to a government, ask for the requisite amount of support and it will be delivered. For the first time in our country's history, individuals involved in the orange economy can say I have a talent and a skill. I have a desire to develop something using social media, something using computers and I can come to a government entity, a government ministry funded and financed by the people of Taiwan to ensure that my talent, my skill and my proposal is given the adequate amount of attention so that I as a young man or young woman can help out my family and this comes in at an opportune time. As we know of the scourge of COVID-19, we know of the difficulties that young men and women in our communities have gone through. We know of the ability of sweet Saint Lucians who have lived and educated themselves, whether it is through our education system or whether it is through being autodidactic, they've had the skills, they've had the ideas in their minds and now thanks to the people, thanks to the People's Republic or the Republic of China on Taiwan, we can say thank you that you have yielded the call from our government to help our young people and so today I just want to say to our young people that finally, finally it is here. We spoke about it for almost two years and we said to our people on the campaign that truly we are going to put you first and this is the first of many initiatives that our people in the agricultural sector, in the sports sector, in the forestry sector can finally decide that they can take their skills and capabilities, take it seriously, take it to the highest level in this land and the support will be available and so I just want to thank you for your time. I want to congratulate the Honourable Prime Minister for making it happen and I want to congratulate the Cabinet of Ministers for supporting this Prime Minister as we continue to put young people first. Thank you. Thank you Honourable Casimir, indeed everyone or young people can look forward to this new initiative by the government. We promised and we delivered. I would now like to call on Honourable Emma Hippolitt, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs to address you this morning. Honourable Hippolitt. Thank you. Prime Minister Honourable Philip J. Pierre, and Minister for Youth Economy, my other Cabinet colleagues, Senators, your Excellency Ambassador Peter Chen, Embassy of the Republic of China, Taiwan, other members of the Taiwan delegation, permanent secretaries and other government officials, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. As Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperative and Consumer Affairs, I am particularly elated to be present at this momentous occasion this morning. Most persons who would have heard the utterances of the youth economy, especially from our Prime Minister, challenging our young persons to turn their hobbies and skills into sustainable businesses and hobbies and businesses. As Parliamentary Representative, all of us have heard the frustration of our youth and many of the young people have responded positively to the call for this youth economy. We know of several proposals just waiting for the implementation of this very important program. So today, this check that we are receiving is the fuel that will cause this rocket to be launched. Today marks the commencement of this exciting journey for our youth and I'm so pleased that the Ministry of Commerce is well configured and ready to be part of that ecosystem to develop and grow the youth economy. Through its various units, the Small Business Development Unit, SEDU, the Bureau of Standards and Export Sanctucia, the Ministry of Commerce is ready to play an integral role in transforming the lives of our young people. Collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Commerce is sorry, the Ministry of Finance is critical for effective launch of this program. Through SEDU, the following services are available to our young people. We will assign them a business development officer who will do the handholding and mentoring, advising them of the support services of the various ministries, where and how to access additional financing and where the opportunities are. We will also assist them with the registration of the business names and incorporation of companies with the assistance of our in-house legal officer. As you know, the formalization of an enterprise is key to advancing the business, accessing finance and engaging food parties. Through SEDU as well, a critical role in terms of capacity building is available for our various workshops and I can mention our business startup essentials and that particular workshop is suitable for startups and newly registered businesses. This is an introductory virtual training session to sensitize owners and managers of micro and small enterprises to the essentials of starting a business. We also have another model called the Lean Canvas Business Model and that workshop again is suitable for both startups and businesses already in operation. The purpose of this virtual workshop is to assist MSMEs to build an exceptional scalable business plan based on the Lean Canvas model. Another training session that we have is a design thinking to develop a business, again focusing on new businesses and existing business owners. Design thinking will help our youth discover solutions that are convincing from the end users and to the customer's perspective. The Bureau of Standards will continue to develop and make available the requisite standards needed while exports and leisure will search the world to get the right markets for the goods and services produced. My ministry is also responsible for processing concessions pursuant to the Micro and Small Enterprise Small Scale Business Enterprise Act and the Fiscal Incentive Act. Ladies and gentlemen, all of this would not have been possible without our honorable Prime Minister having this great dream for our young people. I want you today to put your hands together I am pleased that my ministry is going to partner with the Ministry of Finance as we tailor our services to advance this youth economy. We are therefore grateful for the support of the government and people of Taiwan as we continue to deliver and our promise to put in you the people of Central Asia first. Long live the government of Central Asia. Long live the youth of Central Asia. I want to thank you and may God continue to guide and bless us all. Thank you Honourable Liberalites and you've heard so many opportunities for young people already available but the youth economy I think you know that's the icing on the cake. Today I know that it is St. Cecilia's Day the feast of musicians so we have a treat for you one of my favorites I know I don't have preferences but you know he is one of my favorites. I would like to invite Mr. Yannick James and Tim which I just want to tell you today yes we have all the official speeches we have this ceremony but there is going to be a grand launch of the youth economy where young people will be able to take part in the celebration of what I know will be a great project a lasting project with impact on everyone's lives so now I'd like to invite Mr. Yannick James to play us some music. I saw P.M. jamming in his seat so Minister for Tourism you know you have to deliver on the carnival for all the creatives and those who just like to jam. Oh yeah boy Minister of Health please give us a chance. I would now like to call His Excellency Peter Chen Ambassador to the Republic of China Taiwan Heron C. Nusha Ambassador Chen Honourable Prime Minister Philly J.P.A. and Minister for Finance Economy Development and the Youth Economy. All the Honourable Cabinet Ministers Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen good morning I have witnessed Senusha's persistent beauty for way over a year now. Now one day has gone by where I have not fear the beautiful friendship between Senusha and Taiwan just as we are partners for prosperity so too are we partners through adversities this pandemic has shown that together we can realize opportunity even amid challenges when Prime Minister Philly J.P.A. addressed the United Nations back in September he emphasized that the development of young people is critical to national development and he is most correct. It makes no more sense to ignore the youth when considering development than it does to ignore the seeds when considering printing. Better that we invest in the youth and provide them with the tools to solve their dreams and aspirations beautifully so that they and all of Senusha may live beautifully in the future. Also important is not letting potential contributions from women go to waste. On women's empowerment President Tsai Ing-wen has mentioned her belief that when more women are able to pursue their aspirations countries become more prosperous. Prime Minister Philly J.P.A. in his remarks invites the international community to engage with Senusha on mutually beneficial relationships and to promote the youth economy. Taiwan considers it an honor and privilege to answer that invitation. Today we will sign a letter of intent to implement a project to empower the youth and women of Senusha and build a more equitable and inclusive economy. This project is inspired by Prime Minister Philly J.P.A.'s vision and leadership guided by the dedicated efforts of Minister Ava Bhattis and Minister Wenjirot. And in collaboration was Minister Philly and Minister Kashmir and funded by the Taiwan government. Through capacity building of aspiring entrepreneurs and enhancing business and employment as well as training opportunities in the post pandemic period Taiwan hopes to help dreams and aspirations become concrete and practical assets and goals. As a wise man used to say you have to wake up every day ready to start again. Towards though they are easier to follow if you have friends to share the burden. Taiwan remains dedicated to working with Senusha every day to tackle the post pandemic economy and start again our joint efforts to build a better future for all. Thank you. Thank you Ambassador Chen and thank you for the friendship of the people and the government of the Republic of China Taiwan. I would now like to call on the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy to launch his baby. And I know that this is very dear to his heart. I hope he doesn't get too emotional about it but I know that and we know throughout the campaign that was one of his biggest pledges and now we are here today to see the signing of the youth economy. So Honourable Prime Minister Phillip G. Pia. Thank you very much. Mass ministries of ceremonies, cabinet colleagues, excellency, ambassadors, members of the Taiwanese embassy, members of the press, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Have we as policymakers ever wondered why there is so much disenchantment among the youth? Why Senusha? About 15,000 young people remain unemployed. Why in spite of all the agencies, programs and initiatives get to the developments of young people of Senusha? Some of our youth complain that they feel marginalized and underutilized. I'm told that a number of initiatives exist to enhance youth entrepreneurship. These are Boosts, the Alpha Lewis Gateways to Global Careers, Senusha Youth Business Trust undertaken by the Senusha Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Centre and the Senusha Development Bank Youth Enterprise, Equity Fund. There are also other institutions that attempt to contribute to the economic development of the youth of Senusha. As a Minister of Youth, the National Youth Council, Senusha Tifa Council, Care, the Human Capital Resilience Project and the OECS. Governments will not attempt to invent the wheel but will carefully analyze and work with these existing programs to help fashion a vibrant, progressive and smart youth economy that is impactful and relevant. In the simplest form, the youth economy aims at turning hobbies into entrepreneurship and skills into business by providing finance, training, marketing, mentoring to young people seeking self-sustainable employment. The youth economy will create a special space in the economic system for young people to develop and grow their ideas. It must be fashioned with the flexibility and agility for young minds wanting to engage in successful business ventures. It must not be burdened with excessive bureaucracy, red tape and official doctrines. However, it must demand accountability and responsibility. It must provide the necessary incentives and opportunities for young people to be encouraged to pursue their dreams. The youth economy must present a new developmental focus to complement and create synergies with existing businesses in Senusha. It must be able to attract and integrate rural youth and urban at-risk youth who must have the confidence in the fact that their ideas matter and they can become independent and sustainable entrepreneurs. The youth economy must create a new enterprise culture and reduce the constraints that young people face in accessing credit and finance and the availability of support services. This will call for financial innovation, including the reform of institutions that presently provide financial facilities. The youth economy must cater for young risk-takers and provide venture capital facilities, grants and loans for feasible workable projects. The youth economy must provide an avenue for young people who have special interests in certain lines of economic activity such as sports, music, entertainment, designing, the creative economy, cultural activities, the digital economy, arts, agriculture and the blue economy. Government must provide special incentives to support the young people in these areas of specialization. In the coming weeks, the youth economy, based within the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and now headed by the Prime Minister and the Honourable Wayne Girard, will consider several approaches. These include grassroots community-based and social entrepreneurship programs which will expand opportunity and participation in the youth economy island-wide. The provision of support incentives and finance for youth business initiatives, the establishment of physical spaces to inspire creativity and improvement, the modernization of existing spaces where businesses are now conducted by young people. Our young people must be allowed to pursue their desires and interests free from the structures of a bureaucratic system that leads them to anger and frustration. However, they must be disciplined and committed to their business venture and seek to aim for global standards and efficiency. Let me stand the Excellency Peter Chang and the government and people of the Republic of China, Taiwan, on the generosity and belief in the young people of Senusia. This donation heralds the introduction of one of our manifesto pledges to create an economy for the young. We are truly grateful as we seek to create a Senusia that puts people first, in that case that puts young people first because a significant percentage of our population made up of young people. This donation is a first but vital step in the funding of our youth economy. Government will endeavor to find resources to ensure its success. This is an exciting time in our history. Our government will inspire the fiscal environment, continue to invest in the youth and women. We will ensure that our priorities are aimed at improving people, not the wasteful expenditure, over $15 million to facilitate two horse races in a now abandoned racetrack. I call on our private sector to partner with governments in our efforts to solve the many issues that plague our youth. The youth economy is one step in the pursuit of a dream to create a new economy based on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, where young business people will be participants and not merely observers. I thank you. Thank you, Honourable Prime Minister. We will now move to the official signing for the youth economy. Could you please join the ladies at Honourable Prime Minister? And like the Prime Minister said, this initiative is supposed to be free from all the bureaucracy, but it will require the professionalism of young people, the discipline to access the finance and the training. So we now have the signing by Ambassador Chen. We will exchange to have the Prime Minister put his signature on that document, and indeed it's the official signing of the youth economy. Thank you very much, Ambassador, and thank you very much, Honourable Prime Minister. We will move to the vote of thanks by Honourable Wayne Gerard, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and the Youth Economy. Protocol having been already established. Good morning. Ni hao. It seems that it was only yesterday that we were here thanking you, your Excellency Ambassador Chen, and through you, the government and people of the Republic of China, Taiwan, for the presentation of a check for the continuation of the constituency development program. And as important as this was, you will understand if I say that today's contribution to the launch of the youth economy is perhaps one of the most important grants that your government and your people would have made to solution. The youth economy is a new vision, a new avenue of hope and opportunity for the young people of our country. It opens the gates of possibility for the youth who have been searching for the support and the right platform on which to launch their dreams and owning and living their own businesses. With this donation, you have provided the status for the entrepreneurial engines and the wings for their ambitions. This is, and will always be, one of the most treasured acts of friendship from the government and people of the Republic of China, Taiwan, to the government and people of Senucia. And on behalf of the youth of Senucia, on behalf of the hundreds of young people who will now have a start in building a career that they truly relish, a career that will develop their own natural skills, talents and aptitudes, I say thank you Ambassador. Thank you to the government and people of the Republic of China, Taiwan for making a positive difference to our youth. And most of all, thank you Honourable Prime Minister for your vision of a youth economy, for persisting with it despite the skepticism and criticisms. You are providing once again that you are truly a servant leader who will always vote the people of Senucia first and in particular our young people. I thank you. Thank you Honourable Gerard and thank you Saint Lucia for joining us on this occasion. We look forward to bringing to you a lively launch of the youth economy next year but this year for sure we will see the impact of the youth economy in every constituency in Saint Lucia. Thanks again for joining us and happy Saint Cecilia's Day Feast of Musicians.