Campus News

Entrepreneurs Needed in Such a Time as This

 A one-day seminar was held by the University’s School of Business on Sunday November 20, under the theme “The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development.”

In his opening address, Central Bank Governor, Ewart S. Williams, mentioned that the global economy is rapidly changing. Emerging market economies are now experiencing global growth while advanced economies are facing challenges. He added that the internal dynamics is also changing the economy of Trinidad and Tobago and so the keys to sustaining economic growth and jobs for the growing labour force are entrepreneurship and a new kind of entrepreneur.

 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Marlene Juman, who presented on behalf of the Honorable Minster of Finance, Winston Dookeran noted the government’s commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship and to ensuring the local environment is investment friendly and conducive to entrepreneurial development.

 Georgina Terry, author of the book Our time Together, encouraged the students to jump at every opportunity as opposed to sitting back and waiting on things to happen. She listed three major ingredients to entrepreneurship: getting yourself ready, getting your business ready, and transforming from employee to entrepreneur.

 Mr. Alvin Daniel, who focused on “Entrepreneurship and Cultural Industry” stressed on the fact that an entrepreneur is one who is willing to take risks without fear because “the greater the risk, the greater the realm.”

 Mr. David Hackett in his presentation focused on the accomplishments of many notable entrepreneurs both foreign and local and showed how economic development is more than economic growth, but also about development of people in certain areas.

 Fourth year Business student, Donna Marie Dowden, who attended the seminar which is a requirement for most of her classes, admitted to having a business plan but feeling discouraged about opening her own business. She has questioned the type of business she should open and whether it would be successful in today’s economy. The seminar gave her hope.

 A total of 148 students were in attendance, along with faculty and staff from the School of Business. Dr. Evelyn Tucker, Dean of the School of Business in her closing remarks thanked all the participants and presenters for making this seminar an extremely successful one. 

Charlie Ann St. Cyr
stcyr@usc.edu.tt