Castries – Thursday, December 08, 2011– The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) participated in Global Entrepreneur Week (GEW) which was celebrated by more than 120 countries across the World from November 14th, ‐ 18th, 2011. The Internal Auditor, Mr. Cuthbert Nathoniel represented SLASPA at a panel discussion organized by the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce and entitled “Entrepreneurship: Personal and Economic Development & Impact” which was held at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to commemorate GEW.

The Panel Discussion was moderated by an accounting lecturer, Miss Misty Floyd and the panelist comprised; Mr. Peter Lorde, deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry; Miss Joycie Mederick, Joycie’s Models ; Mr. Gilland Avril, Carnival Dolls (Finalist of the Big Start); Mr. Celestine Laurent, BOSL Manager with responsibility for small business loans; and Cuthbert Nathoniel, Internal Auditor of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and entrepreneur.

Panelist were given ten minutes to introduce themselves and to provide a summary of their experiences as entrepreneurs, requirements to be a successful entrepreneur and, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

“The discussion was quite intriguing as the experiences of each panelist were unique, however, the basic requirements to be a successful entrepreneur were all similar. It can therefore be agreed that to become an entrepreneur, one must be prepared to take the risk of enterprise and managing one’s own business; One must be prepared to work many long and tasking hours and make sacrifices in terms of lifestyle, financial adjustments, and time scheduling,” said Mr. Nathoniel.

“These sacrifices therefore require personal commitment, drive and dedication towards achieving pre‐determined long‐term goals and objectives. The rewards of entrepreneurship are many and have both positive personal impact and economic growth and development through the creation of employment and contributing positively towards the Gross Domestic Product of a nation,” he concluded.

SLASPA also participated in a an exhibition where students were able to speak with employees on how the port assists entrepreneurs, the role of the port in the economic development of the country and the various positions within the organisation. SLASPA has already committed to participating in next year’s event.