By Monique Washington
Eleven (11) persons have been awarded on the island of Nevis for their services in small businesses that began with the help of the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU). This award name Mr. Pathfield Hill Entrepreneur of the Year.
SEDU was established in 2002 by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA). This was created to assist persons who needed help with starting a small business or persons who wished to expand their businesses.
Catherine Forbes, Head of SEDU noted that although eleven (11) persons were being recognized in some of the working categories, later this year others will be recognized during Entrepreneurial Week in November .
Pathfield Hill was handed the Entrepreneur Award for his contributions in joining. Forbes indicated that although his leg was amputated, he still continues to work.
Other persons awarded were Dale Farrell of Island Eco Wash as a young entrepreneur , Austin Lescott of A+ Security in the field of security, JR Duncan Mills of Duncan Heavy Equipment in the field of Heavy Equipment, Yvonne Rogers of Rogers Souvenir and Crafts in the area of Arts and Crafts, Carlos Williams of Carlos Construction in the area of Construction ,Earl Clarke of EC Computer in the area of Information Technology and Joseph Brown, owner of the bus, Smile Orange in the area of bus service.
Three (3) special awards were handed to three (3) persons. Forbes indicated that the idea of SEDU began as a result of a group that the three specially awarded persons were a part of. These women were in the area of sewing and providing school uniforms.
Awarded for Long Standing Service were Oretha Deshatlo of Rita’s Fashion, Margaret Elliott of Nev Kids and Things and Donnella Caines of Rickets Fabrics.
Forbes concluded by indicating that it was because of the initiative of the women and, their need for their business to be funded, the idea of SEDU was born.
