| CaribbeanStudent.com
is the first website dedicated to the needs of the Caribbean
student public. We provide young people with an avenue for greater
social and economic interconnectedness.Caribbeanstudent.com
is geared specifically to students, with much of the content
and articles written by students. |
We interview Daniel Smith, co founder
of Caribbeanstudent.com.
CM: Why was CaribbeanStudent.com created?
CS: www.caribbeanstudent.com was created as
a means of integrating the Caribbean region beginning with the student
population. We know so little about each other's culture but we
live right here in the same region. In addition there was no online
resource to reach the mass numbers of Caribbean citizens within
the region except news sites and there is no site that actually
promotes something of value. So here we stand.
CM: How do you plan on impacting on the
educational system within the Caribbean?
CS: We plan to implement many different initiatives
from online applications to school tours. We're looking at mentoring
and providing activities that will generate interest. Education
is only a small part of what we are seeking to do its supposed to
be a holistic experience about making a positive experience
wherever we can.
CM: Your service as it relates to the Caribbean
and the educational structure is fairly innovative. How has the
reception been from the private and public sector in supporting
your venture?
CS: We have received a lot of support from
organizations outside of the region who have been very receptive
to what we are seeking to do and in providing information and content
to suit. In terms of the Caribbean it's been difficult to get the
type of support that is needed to develop this whole initiative.
Both the private and public sector in the region needs to grow up
quick if the technological development of the region is to come
about.
 
CM: Your personal Motto?
CS: If it needs doing, do it
CM: Where do you see the Caribbean educational
system in 5 years?
CS: There will be tremendous advancement especially
where technology is concerned. Governments are only now realizing
the importance of integrating new technology with education.
CM: What makes Caribbean Student stand
out?
CS: The quality of our offering is on par
with various international sites.
CM: What's the greatest challenge in owning/operating
your own business?
CS: There are no challenges when you love
what you do.
CM: Caribbean Student will be around 7
years from now because?
CS: We are constantly innovating and improving
upon what we have to offer the market. We allow students to be the
voice and allow their views to be heard and to address the issues
they feel are important to the development of our region.
CM: Would you consider yourself to be an
Internet nerd? Be honest now!
CS: Yeah, I am.
CM: What features or specials can we look
forward to from Caribbean Student in the near future?
CS: We're in the process of redesigning and
coming out with some HOTT new innovations. We're beginning our student
clubs in secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the region.
We'll be giving students the chance to be student representatives.
We are coming out with a job site to assist students in the search
for jobs and we're going to have a lot of giveaways and competitions.
CM: Something everyone should know about
Caribbean Student but forgot to ask.
CS: The Management team consists of three
women who help to make sure that we are who we are. In addition
we're the first site dedicated towards Caribbean students and the
first Internet Company to have a woman Co- CEO in the region. We
like being first in all that we do.
CM: Young entrepreneurship seems to be
on the rise in the Caribbean, what will separate the success stories
from the others?
CS: Funding and access to money. If Banks
and Venture Capital initiatives in the region do not provide young
entrepreneurs with the Capital requirements that they need then
failure will be a lot higher. Less than USD 10,000 in funding in
most cases is not enough to undertake the type of projects that
youth
entrepreneurs focus on.
CM: Ok, we've taken up enough of
your precious time. Any lessons you care to leave us with?
CS: Success depends on perseverance and willingness
to forgo present consumption for future gain.
features Caribbean owned/managed
businesses that are on the Verge on making it big, or at the very
least, making a significant impact within the Caribbean.
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