Roseau, Dominica: A grant of EC$1 million was distributed to seventy-seven young and local digital entrepreneurs from across Dominica as part of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project. A grant award ceremony was held on Monday at the State House.
The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project is a comprehensive initiative, designed to enhance access to Digital Services Technologies and Skills across the region. The government received financing from the World Bank towards the project as it aims to ensure that all businesses have the resources needed to actively participate in an increasingly digital Marketplace and Society.
Collin Francis- Training and Grants Coordinator of CARDTP termed the digital transformation grant a cornerstone of the project which aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital technologies among various sectors.
She said that through this grant, they are empowering businesses to integrate digital solutions into the workplace, ultimately driving growth and job creation. “Today’s ceremony celebrates the remarkable achievements of our Grant recipients, your innovative ideas and commitment to embracing digital transformation are inspiring.”
Minister for Public Works, Utilities and the Digital Economy- Fidel Grant said that the grand funding is evidence of government’s belief in the ability of the young entrepreneurs to succeed.
He added that this marks another milestone towards innovation and economic empowerment, today almost $1 million is being given to a group of young entrepreneurs. The minister asserted that this Labour Party government is making a Direct Cash investment in the present and future of the innovators and entrepreneurs.
With the majority of transactions being done online, initiatives like these are important if the government is to advance the country’s digital economy. “As we all know, these days most of our financial transactions are done online using cards or an app via your phones and other digital devices, so the project is timely.”
Minister Grant added that the government is determined to ensure that Dominica moves with the advancement of technology and provide an equal chance to the young people to explore the opportunities that are being created through a more digitized world.
Further, Minister of Health Cassasnni Laville who represented Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit at the ceremony, added that the government wants to create an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive in digital economy.
He said that there’s much great equity, people should have an idea, access to internet and computer knowledge and in this fast world, there is need to find a creative way to create an environment of thriving.
