An entrepreneur is an individual who sets up a business, taking financial risks to make a profit and, in most cases, this is the motivation behind starting many small businesses and large corporations.
However, there are some people who have become entrepreneurs because of their genuine
desire to help others or improve situations.
Whatever the reason for that start, being an entrepreneur is not an easy task or journey. As such, for our sixth annual edition loop awards category, we want to take this opportunity to recognize some of the hard working businessmen and women throughout the Caribbean.
These are the nominees who were selected for the Annual Loop Awards Entrepreneur of the Year category and, as usual, we’re counting on your votes to select the best entrepreneur for 2022.
Nominee 1: Eugene Gabriel (St. Lucia)
E&E Agrochemicals
Gabriel stands out for formulating and launching his company’s own organic biofertilizer called ‘Agromax’, which is the brand’s flagship product. To date, E&E Agrochemicals has also released four additional products (Nitro-Pro, Cal-10, Cal-Mag-B, and Cal-Nite).
Below are some other big wins for Gabriel and E&E Agrochemicals:
- Its products are sold in the main agricultural retailers on the island, Grenada and Dominica.
- After launching the business in Granada, the company also participated in the first Granada Agricultural Exhibition.
- They work as an active partner with the WUSC Caribbean & Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project.
- They actively participate in farmer consultations and outreach throughout the island.
Nominee 2: Barry Collymore (Grenada)
Hotel Monte Cinnamon
After moving to Grenada due to the nature of his work, Collymore stayed at the Mount Cinnamon Hotel in 1999. Today he is the hotel’s new owner and intends to build on the legacy of its previous owner, the late Peter de Savary, to make it one of the best brands in Granada.
Here are a few more reasons why we think Barry Collymore should be recognized:
- It intends to introduce important plans and measures to improve the customer experience at Mount Cinnamon Hotel.
- Collymore launched the West Indies School of Hospitality program last year in conjunction with Cornell University, investing in training and industry development.
- Mount Cinnamon Hotel is also in the Green Globe Program, and Collymore is in talks with other environmental partners.
- Collymore plans to work with the Grenada Tourism Authority and other stakeholders to promote Grenada.
Nominee 3: Alwyn Brown (Jamaica)
Sharkies and Plantation Smokehouse
Brown is the proud owner of the most popular restaurants on the North Shore of Jamaica that not only offer an abundance of delicious food, but are also acclaimed for expertly presenting one of the country’s premier offerings to visitors.
Referring to himself as someone who isn’t afraid to take risks, Brown made the Entrepreneur of the Year shortlist because:
- He creatively exposes locals and tourists to quality entertainment, leaving the brand of his country strongly imprinted in the minds of visitors.
- It serves as a motivation for others who would like to take the risk of starting a business and also weather hard times and use creativity to overcome adversity.
- Brown has opened numerous locations and in doing so has provided a livelihood for many Jamaicans.
Nominee 4: Anthony and June Henry (Trinidad and Tobago)
AJ ice cream
This husband and wife duo have taken the candy market by storm with their variety of unique flavors, like Pepper Mango and Charcoal Coconut. The Henrys have had a lot of buzz around their products over the years, including winning the 2022 Entrepreneurship Award from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. There are many other reasons for them to be added to this list of nominees.
- AJ Ice Cream stood out in the Carifesta market as people flocked to their booth to sample the delicacies the brand had to offer.
- Since 2017, the Henrys have worked hard to establish their business, growing from a table, to a tent, to a cart, and finally to a store. This couple is showing the world that it can be done from humble beginnings.
- They are creating a whole new world of treats that locals and tourists didn’t even know they needed and their special flavors can be used to celebrate those special occasions.
Nominee 5: Allana and Logan Steuart (Trinidad and Tobago)
Berties Pepper Sauce
It’s safe to say that the Steuarts have made their mark on the seasoning manufacturing industry with the introduction of their unique pepper sauces.
In 2004, this couple decided to venture into the business world but not to make a profit for themselves. They did it with the noble intention of earning some money to buy a refrigerator for a needy member of their community.
Needless to say, her act of kindness paid off. You can also vote for the Steuarts because they:
- Second place in the category of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the 2018 Business Champions.
- Support local farmers by using only locally grown peppers in your salsa recipes.
- In Trinidad and Tobago, Bertie’s pepper sauce is a highly regarded brand and one of the most widely available commercial pepper sauces to date.
These five nominees are inspiring, to say the least, and we proudly share their stories and achievements with you.
Cast your vote for by clicking the linkthen share this article with a friend or family member.
