December 1, 2011 No. 39/11-G ST. LUCIA YOUTH BUSINESS TRUST RECOGNIZES CDB After three years of preparatory work, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture launched the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust (SLYBT) on November 15, 2011. The Launch Ceremony took place at the Governor General's residence at Morne Fortune. Keynote speakers included Mr. Christian Husbands and Dr Stephen King, who represented the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Marcia Brandon, the Managing Director of the Barbados Youth Business Trust on which the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust is modelled, was the featured speaker and encouraged all stakeholders to continue to support youth entrepreneurship. During the launch, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) was recognized for its commitment and support to the development of youth entrepreneurship in St. Lucia. CDB has provided assistance towards the operationalization of the SLYBT including facilitating training for staff of the SLYBT through its Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services network located in the Bank's Private Sector Development Division. CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, and Construction and Industrial Equipment (CIE Ltd.) also pledged and provided funding to the SLYBT. The SLYBT is a registered not-for-profit entity, which has been established to relieve the poverty of young people in St. Lucia and in particular young people who are disadvantaged. It aims to assist those young people between the ages of 18-35 who have bankable business proposals or exhibit the propensity for a particular discipline or skill but lack the means to convert them into profitable ventures. SLYBT will provide its clients with financial and technical assistance support.The Launch of the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust was one of the highlights of the Global Entrepreneurship Week of Activities hosted in St. Lucia to celebrate entrepreneurship during the week of November 14 - 20, 2011.