Under the shade cast by the Massy Stores building in Rodney Heights stands 19-year-old Dwight Regobert. In his hands is a large box held up to his torso and opened with its contents fully visible to passersby: granola bars and other snacks.
For the past five months, the teen has been running his small snack sales business between Rodney Bay and Castries, and customers and admirers have taken notice of his quiet determination.
Now, just two days after agreeing to share more about his story, Dwight steps away from the spot in front of the supermarket and sits down for a conversation with St Lucia Times.
Instantly, it becomes clear that he is a young man of few words, but he openly acknowledges the support behind his venture, noting that it was something he had tried to plan for.
“I wanted to start a business, and I figured people would like these,” he explains candidly, pointing to the red, orange and blue wrapped granola and rice crispy snacks in his box.
The business doesn’t have a name, but it manages to function and serve a distinct purpose.
Years ago, when he was a student at the Castries Comprehensive School, Dwight discovered not only did he enjoy learning about accounts in the classroom, but he also had a natural talent for the subject.
Having left school and still living with his mother in Georgeville, Castries, his choice to sell snacks is fueled by his determination to become a qualified accountant. He uses the revenue from his business to pay his way through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme.
“I paid for my exams which took place in December and March, and passed both,” Dwight says. “They were the last two exams I needed to pass in order to obtain my ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business, which allowed me to complete the second level of the qualification”. He has four additional exams remaining to complete the ACCA qualifications. His next exam is in June, and that one will cost $750.
His goals command his full attention, he admits, as he struggles to name other interests that keep him busy. But he lights up when discussing his plans after completing ACCA – which, unsurprisingly, include even more accounting training.
“I would like to do a Master’s at the University of London.” He says his eyes are set on the MSc Professional Accountancy programme. “It’s so I could have enough qualifications.”
Dwight’s story has touched many who have encountered him. He remains open to the support he receives from those who see his drive and welcomes anyone wishing to reach out to him to call or message 1 (758) 384-1969 or send an email to caleb.wilson316@gmail.com.
I saw him by Massy Rodney Bay on my way out I gave him some money and told him that’s ok my boy . Didn’t want any snack . All the best young man.🙏🙏
This is a young man who is committed to being different and making a difference in a society that that does not care about young boys and men altogether. This is a beautiful story and an opportunity to save one of them. I do not know anything about him, but I think this is a story that must be investigated further and for us Lucians to save this talent and make it blossom.
Too much unnecessary exposure can ruin good things. Please allow this young man to build his dreams. Did he tell you he needed donations? Did he tell you he was hungry? He said he was trying to save to become an accountant and so far has managed 2 examinations. E is way ahead of many persons. He is okay and on the right track, no hand outs are needed. Please do not investigate his life, and allow those who can give him an actual opportunity and apprenticeship to reach out to him! He started a business to pay for school to become an accountant and not a gofundme! Just support his business and leave him alone!