Three days before a Portsmouth Secondary (PSS) seven-person team leaves the island to compete in Mexico for the International Junior Achievers (JA) Business of the Year Award, three private sector companies have teamed up, to assist them financially.
In a brief ceremony held at the DOMLEC’s Roseau Office, the National Foundation Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD) donated EC$500, the Dominica Manufacturers Association of Dominica (DMA) donated EC$500 and DOMLEC, EC$2,500.
Public Relations Officer for DOMLEC Adina Bellot-Valentine said that the company is pleased to be associated with the venture that would make a difference in the lives of the students.
“We are here for a very short but significant ceremony which is expected to make a difference in the lives of some young people. DOMLEC is pleased to be associated with this venture and when we received this request for sponsorship from the Manufacturers Association first, and then from JA Dominica, and after reviewing the request we had no difficulty in wanting to assist those students,” she said.
She applauded the efforts of the students and gave thumbs up to the DMA and JA Dominica for recognizing the potential in the students.
She also mentioned that there is a need for more highly skilled people in Dominica.
Executive Director of the NDFD Cletus Joseph, said he was impressed by the work of the students.
“ I know that they have sold some products … they have had some expos that they were involved in, but we need to get them to the commercial level, and begin to have them export ready,” he said.
The PSS team team includes three students, Executive Director of Junior Achievers Dominica Natasha Yeeloy-Labad, Chairman of JA Dominica Orlando Richards, and Velma Harris.
They are expected to leave Dominica on December 7th or 8th for Mexico there they will be participating in different seminars and activities.
“It will be four days of hard work … the students have to be placed before a firing squad … they have to present and there will be a trade show, so they have to answer questions. They have to present their product to show quality; they have to sell their products, show the benefits of their products and so on,” business teacher and mentor at PSS, Roselyn Matthew, emphasized.
Countries from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean are taking part in the competition.
Four products from PSS’ ‘Nature’s Essentials’ are expected to be showcased during the competition namely: balms, body splash, body moisturizer, and a warm body cloth.
striving for the best….forward on PSS
This makes me really proud! Keep it up PSS, we have always been made of success material!
Rosely, there is no teacher as dedicated as you and no one would go through all the hoops and hurdles for the good of the school and the students as you did. I know you have been giving all your praises to God who is the one who helped you through thus far and while the students do deserve a good round of applause, you deserve even a bigger one.
The sleepless nights, the pounding on the children’s heads to finish their work, the calling of their parents, the converting of your kitchen space to manufacturing space, the camping of school children on your living room floor, the robbing of quality time to with your daughter, the cold shoulder by many including those who should be supporting you.
You have made Dominica proud, you have made PSS proud and you have made me proud. By just participating in the Mexico event you are a winner and let no one take that joy away from you.
Continue the good work and God WILL open doors even before you arrive on the scene.
PS. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit. You MUST put your feet up and enjoy the Mexican sun sipping a pina colada.
Mrs Matthew and your team-we are so proud of the achievements of the school. Go PSS !!! when you do things you go for excellence. Yeah!!! All the best. MEXICO here we come
We are proud of the achievement of our young Possie students. Entering the World of manufacturing is a one of the great options we should offer to our graduated. Those Young entrepreneurs deserve a big “hats off”. All the best for the Mexico competition.
I am so happy that JA Dominica is up and running. Congrats to PSS, keep up the good work.
Congrats to the students and teachers of PSS. Cudos to the private sector.
Congratualations to the young persons involved and their supporters. I wish them the best in Mexico.
Blessings and may the Lord go before you guys and prepare the way. May his blessings be upon each and everyone. I declare that you will have a successful and productive trip in Jesus Name!!
Congratulations Roselyn. You have made PSS feels proud girl!
can someone please tell me in what state will they be arriving?