Minister of Family, Youth, Sports and Environment, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo (File Photo)

Graduands of the 2008 Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme’s (YES) training programme have been urged to engage in the process of self-knowledge and evaluation.

This advice was given recently by Minister of Family, Youth, Sports and Environment, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo as she delivered remarks at the YES’ graduation and prize giving ceremony at the Accra Beach Hotel and Resort.

Dr. Byer-Suckoo told the graduating entrepreneurs that they were set apart from the average business person by specific traits and characteristics and they should visualise, plan and manage their business to influence the corporate world.

She further said that they had been given the opportunity through training to set realistic goals for their own advancement.

The Minister noted that the entrepreneurial development training programme had been designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively manage their own businesses.

“This means developing well-rounded individuals whose focus is on excellence and who are problem solvers and who are able to cope with the demands of a dynamic and challenging business environment,” she added.

“The programme seeks to develop these skills by providing a series of learning experiences via critical modules and workshops that the budding entrepreneur can transfer directly to the business. The training programme is modified consistently with new directions based on programme evaluation and changes in the business environment,” Dr. Byer-Suckoo observed.

She pointed out that participants were encouraged to examine ways of entering new markets to assess how to effectively capitalise on the various opportunities afforded not only by the local sector, but by the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). This, she said would allow them to explore ways of structuring their organisations to allow for greater effectiveness and efficiency.

“If you have been able to take your passion and transform it into your life’s work that is a gift from God and I want you to enjoy what you do, give the best of yourself to your business; to your clients and to Barbados.

“I want to urge you also to remain relevant in your field. Today’s graduation should not end your academic pursuits, in order to stay on [top of] your game, you need to learn new techniques and keep abreast of new things in your field,” the Minister suggested. 

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