The state of Innovation and Creativity for Youth in SVG, the discussion…

Georgetown, Guyana

21 October 2019

This is Caribbean Entrepreneurship Week 2019, a time where regional entrepreneurs celebrate their journey in the entrepreneurial race to social, environmental and economic freedom.

Ms. Rhealyn Burke – Aspiring Leader\Medical Doctor

To set the tone for us at Constructive Solutions Inc. Ms. Rhealyn Burke, a young Vincentian fourth-year medical student interviewed Dr. Ashley C. John, our Founder\Executive Director.

As we take this time to salute this courageous aspiring young female leader, we gave her the opportunity to share her experience. Ms. Burke stated “Last year I applied and was accepted into the Kectil Program which is an initiative of the Malmar Knowles Family Foundation. “Kectil” which stands for “Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership,” is a web-based mentoring program that seeks to identify and nurture highly talented youths from developing countries who have the potential to make a positive and meaningful impact within their communities and countries.

The program releases assignments that focuses on different aspects of professional development. The latest assignment given was based on researching entrepreneurship and innovation within my country SVG.  

Approaching the assignment, my peer Shabazaah George recommended me to do an interview with Dr. Ashley C. John, who is one of his mentors, an expert in the entrepreneurship, people and community projects development

I was engaged in dialogue with Dr. John who is a social entrepreneur and creator of the social enterprise “Constructive Solutions Inc,” based in Kingstown St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  The non-profit company has and aims to help create more innovative entrepreneurial citizens who start-up or already operate green\blue enterprises.

The discussions had and the responses given by Dr. John were very fruitful and informative. We spoke about the state of youth entrepreneurship in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we discussed whether disruptive thinking is encouraged within our country and if our country inspires or promote innovation.

We went on to further discuss on what is microfinancing if it is available to Vincentian youth with innovative business ideas,  what are the benefits of micro-financing, getting youths involved in innovating and highlighting the many innovations that may\can positively change the quality of life for persons living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

We at Constructive Solutions Inc. are happy we had the time to sit with and impart some of our knowledge and experience with Ms. Burke, we have also agreed to offer her further mentorship as she develops her leadership skills on her quest to make a difference in her community, St.Vincent and the Grenadines.