Vidal says he will ensure the YEA remains transparent to assist youth most in need. Through his experience in the sector throughout the region, he observes youth have difficulty in obtaining financing for their business ideas in the banking sector. Under his leadership, he says, this will change.

“My main aim would be to ensure that the youth will get access to financing in an efficient and effective manner. Also to ensure we have the necessary systems in place to facilitate that process. I also want to ensure the people who really need financing will be assisted,” Vidal says. At present, the YEA is rolling out a grant funding programme. Young entrepreneurs must undergo a training period before being able to access their grant funds. The training includes must-haves from money management skills to record-keeping skills. Loans are not yet being meted out to applicants.

In his short time in office, Vidal says he observes the youth’s excitement. “One thing I can say is that the youth are very excited about the [Youth Economy Agency]. In my interactions with many people, they are telling me that this is a wonderful initiative.”

In fact, the youth are the ones motivating Vidal in executing his duties. “I’d like to use my expertise to ensure the process is efficient, so we can really reach our target audience who are the youth of Saint Lucia. I have a passion for youth development so I really look forward to working with the youth.” 

Before this appointment, he served as an Examiner with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). He also served as the Senior Operations Officer at the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation, and the Relationship Manager of financial Solutions with the Royal Bank of Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis Branch. Mr. Vidal has expertise in anti-money laundering (AML), combating terrorism (CTF) and proliferation financing (CPF), credit risk and relationship management, supervision, and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) financing.