Thirty-six of the 42 participants who completed the Introduction to Bookkeeping Training Programme in November 2024 are now set to benefit from the next phase—Bookkeeping II: Accounting Software Integration—offered by the Youth Economy Agency (YEA).
This advanced training underscores the commitment of the YEA and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to enhancing the capabilities of Saint Lucia’s young entrepreneurs, boosting their marketability and profitability.
A registration and orientation ceremony was held recently at the YEA office on Chaussee Road, Castries, where participants were encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity to refine their entrepreneurial skills.
In her brief remarks at the registration and orientation ceremony, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Nicole Su, said Taiwan has worked closely with the YEA over the years to provide various training programmes to support Saint Lucia’s talented youth. She noted that special focus was put on women empowerment because, as she put it, by empowering women, we are empowering the world.
“I think we can all agree that bookkeeping is not just about skills; it’s about opening the door to your financial independence, your career growth, and economic opportunities,” Ambassador Su said.
“On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and our Taiwan Technical Mission, I’d like to reaffirm our commitment to working alongside the YEA and with the Saint Lucia Government and, of course, the young talents of Saint Lucia. We will definitely commit ourselves and we will advance ourselves together, hand in hand. I would like to encourage all participants to fully engage yourselves. Bring the best of your passion to the classroom, and let’s work together to make things happen.”
Anselm Mathurin, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the YEA, said that without the assistance from the Taiwan Technical Mission, the programme would not be possible. He noted that Taiwan gave the first seed contribution to the YEA which opened its doors in April 2023.
“You are at the cutting edge of technology,” Mathurin told the participants. “What you’ll be learning is, in fact, so far ahead that the majority of businesses in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean are still not using this solution. They still rely on books and ledgers and have their accountants carry all the check leaves and stubs at the end of the month or year. You’ll be among the first to actually learn this software, especially in your age group.”
In providing an overview of the course, YEA’s Project Officer for Training and Development, Olivia Jn Baptiste, said many young entrepreneurs face challenges with bookkeeping and accounting, prompting the YEA to offer the training programmes.
Jn Baptiste said the primary goal of the programme is to equip participants with practical skills in digital financial management to empower them with the requisite knowledge and skills to establish and adeptly maintain effective bookkeeping practices.
“Finance is arguably the most critical resource in any business, serving as the lifeblood that fuels all operations,” Jn Baptiste told the participants. “The success of any small business or enterprise — whether large or small — hinges on efficient financial management. This training is designed to give you a clearer understanding of your business’s financial position and help you make informed decisions.”
During the training programme, participants will be introduced to accounting software for financial management, enhance their ability to track expenses, generate financial reports, and ensure tax compliance, and promote financial literacy and best practices in business financial management.
Nineteen participants from the north of the island will attend classes at YEA’s office on Chaussee Road, Castries, while seventeen participants from the south will attend classes virtually. The official training period runs from February 3 to March 7, 2025. In total, participants will receive 42 hours of class time.
To be eligible for a certificate and an angel grant of $1 000, participants must complete the programme with no less than an 85 per cent attendance rate, and submit a financial portfolio with their financial statements which will be evaluated.
