In a heartfelt speech, Jenny James, CEO of ED ESSENTIALS Inc. announced her company’s commitment to supporting school sports development in Saint Lucia.
Speaking to an audience at her ‘School Sports Development Ceremony’ at the Choiseul Education Sub Office, James emphasised that even small beginnings can lead to significant accomplishments.
Referencing her favorite Bible verse from Zechariah 4:10, she said, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
ED ESSENTIALS, founded in 2014 as a single-product retail store, has grown into a multi-product retail, manufacturing, and distribution company.
James shared how perseverance and hard work fuelled the journey. “We started small, and we are still small,” she noted, reflecting on their progress over the past decade.
“In 2014, we started as a single product retail store in Vieux Fort, only doing school uniforms… And 10 years later today, we are a multi-product retail, manufacturing, and distribution company.”
James described the inspiration behind ED ESSENTIALS’ new initiative to support school sports.
During a moment of reflection sparked by the success of Saint Lucian athlete Julian Alfred, she asked herself, “What is it that we can do?”
She firmly believed that one can only give from what they have and proposed providing sports uniforms. “It dawned on me, why don’t you give sports uniforms? Because that is what you have.”
With the enthusiastic support of her team and business partners, they pledged to make a difference, starting with 11 schools and hoping to double their reach in the next year.
Acknowledging the need for broader community involvement, James called on other businesses to join her company’s mission, envisioning a future where students receive equipment and support for a wide range of sports.
“We can’t do it alone… Our vision is to make this an annual event.” She further pledged $3,000 towards school and district sports needs for 2025, promising to expand the impact eventually.
In her speech, James emphasised the importance of investing in the younger generation, particularly the boys in the audience, encouraging them to strive for success and embrace their potential.
She called on them to become role models and leaders, saying, “I want to see wonderful, stable young men come out of this country. Stand tall. Be proud. Young men, be successful, become powerful men.” Her words were a rallying cry for nurturing ambition, strength, and positive change within the community.
She said the company’s initiative is a testament to the power of small beginnings and faith-driven perseverance.
As James put it, “We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord… We are going to open our hands and our hearts and share the little that we have with those around us.”
