Residents of Babonneau recently got the opportunity to gain some insights into how the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP) aims to benefit that constituency over the next few months.

During an introductory meeting held on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Babonneau Multi-Purpose Centre, plans for unveiling the capacity building project in the constituency were shared, with residents already looking forward to the benefits the project aims to deliver.

Speaking at the introductory meeting, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, commented on Babonneau’s serene and regenerating atmosphere, noting that the project will highlight these and other outstanding attributes of the northern community.

“Through the process of telling a good story, we are preserving our heritage,” Ambassador Su said. “At the same time, promoting the traditional, cultural and natural heritage can be an extremely attractive tourism package which would accordingly foster community business in a sustainable way. This is exactly what the Community Business Revitalization Project is about. This project is an initiative to provide capacity building to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and thrive.”

Through a variety of upcoming workshops, including product development, entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management, the Community Business Revitalization Project hopes to build capacity, support innovation, and ignite economic growth in Babonneau, following similar rollouts of the project in Fond St. Jacques and Laborie.

The Babonneau phase of the project will be spearheaded by the Taiwan Technical Mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Babonneau Constituency Council, and Babonneau Youth Synergy. Ambassador Su urged residents to participate in the project, noting that Babonneau has what it takes to ensure a successful rollout.

“I think it’s fair to say that Babonneau is turning the page of a new chapter, that of economic empowerment and community-driven development,” she said. “I’m really excited about this project, and I look forward to seeing successful tourism packages coming out through the joint efforts of the community groups.”

Hon. Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, Minister for the Public Service, Labour and Gender Affairs, and Parliamentary Representative for Babonneau, also addressed the gathering. She said the meeting marked a historic moment for partnership between the Babonneau constituency and Taiwan.

“Based on the description of the project, I know it’s going to open up many opportunities for people in the constituency,” she said. “We have described Babonneau as an agro-tourism constituency, with agriculture as our base, and our link to tourism. With that kind of arrangement, we are going to benefit from the tourism dollar.”

Hon. Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte said Taiwan’s continued support for Saint Lucia’s national development has redounded to almost every community in Saint Lucia benefiting from meaningful projects aimed at improving citizens’ lives.

“The presence of Taiwan as a partner to Saint Lucia has actually brought a transformation throughout the landscape in Saint Lucia through the CDP (Constituency Development Project). Most of the small projects that parliamentarians are engaged in are supported by our Taiwanese partners,” she explained.

Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP) at the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, explained that in order to ensure the effective execution of the project in Babonneau, a clear collaborative functional structure has been created. It involves the Taiwan Technical Mission, the Ministry of Commerce, and the local organizations/councils in the community, all of whom will work together to support the community and businesses.

The project, he added, operates through a comprehensive Community Engagement Platform designed to foster growth and empowerment. This platform has three key pillars:

• Capacity Building: This involves offering training programmes that empower local participants with new skills, essential for business development and personal growth.
• Small Business Support: Vendor opportunities will be provided at Fond Latisab for community entrepreneurs, giving them vital market access. Additionally, a Business Registration On-Site Service will be offered to simplify the process for entrepreneurs.
• Cultural Dances Programme: This programme is geared towards creating tourism jobs that effectively showcase the rich local culture and attractions, contributing to the local economy and promoting Saint Lucia’s heritage.

The Community Business Revitalization Project was previously implemented in Fond St. Jacques and Laborie. In fact, the project organized a two-day event from May 27-28, 2025, which focused on Business Name Search for entrepreneurs in Laborie. A total of 165 business name searches were conducted, signaling the entrepreneurs’ eagerness to take their businesses to the next level. Through this approach, business proprietors can improve their operations by strengthening credibility and reputation, which also helps them to secure funding, tax benefits, and various other incentives.

“Our shared vision for Babonneau is at the heart of this project,” Tsou said. “Our core objective is to revitalize Babonneau by working collaboratively with the Council, the youth group, and the Fond Latisab Creole Park. The goal is to transform them into an integrated platform that not only enhances the professional skills of local youth, but also fosters the development of small businesses. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach will achieve an effective linkage of tourism resources, driving significant economic growth for the entire region.”

In her remarks at the meeting, Ms. Marilyn Bain, Chairperson of the Babonneau Constituency Council, endorsed the Community Business Revitalization Project’s rollout in Babonneau, admitting that the constituency stands to benefit immensely.

“Every bit of support geared towards the growth and development of our community is important,” she said. “The Babonneau community is happy and excited to receive assistance from Taiwan though the concept of the Community Business Revitalization Project.”

Ms. Bain added: “We want to assure Ambassador Su and Mr. Tsou and his team of our commitment to the success of the project. We understand the importance of growth and development in the critical sectors of agriculture, commerce and tourism. We are eager to see improvement and progress.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Aldric Edward, President of Babonneau Youth Synergy — a volunteer youth group which conducts community-based activities, including river and beach clean-ups, charitable work, and educational and sports support — said his organization supports the Community Business Revitalization Project, noting that members are already looking forward to its success.

“We are proud to be a part of the Babonneau leg of the Community Business Revitalization Project,” Edward said. “It is one which creates endless possibilities by positively impacting the lives of Babonneau residents.”