A Saint Lucian contender is one of the nominees for the 2019 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award.

The CEO of Algas Organics, Johanan Dujon, is set to visit London in March to vie for the award which showcases the work of outstanding young people who are leading initiatives in the Commonwealth, ranging from poverty alleviation to peace building.

Since 2014, the invasive Sargassum seaweed has been disrupting the livelihoods of fishermen in coastal communities. Algas Organics was developed to produce a world class agricultural product from the invasive species, while minimizing the impact on livelihoods.

Johanan was greeted by the UK’s Commonwealth Envoy, Philip Parham, who visited Saint Lucia to celebrate its 40th Independence Anniversary. According to the UK’s Commonwealth Enjoy, innovations like these are exactly what the awards are about, highlighting the work of exceptional youth all while tackling global problems.

The Commonwealth Youth Awards will take place during the same week as International Youth Day - the UN’s annual celebration of the role of young people who create positive change across the world.