A Year of Youth Spotlight Series – Shergaun Roserie from Saint Lucia

A Short Bio About Yourself

My name is Shergaun Roserie from the island of Saint Lucia. I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and I am the co-founder of Orbtronics.

Tell us a little about your event/project (how it came about, number of young people benefited and impact it had)

Orbtronics is a leading software development organization which harnesses digital tools to tailor technology-based solutions. Founded in 2020 by a team with pedigrees from Microsoft, MIT, and Harvard Business School, Orbtronics addresses complex challenges efficiently and effectively. We are committed to cultivating a technology-driven ecosystem in the Caribbean, empowering established businesses to innovate and enhance productivity, ultimately benefiting the broader community. Orbtronics has a track record of delivering high-quality solutions to a diverse client base, including local, regional, and international organizations.

In addition to our software development expertise, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of engineers and tech enthusiasts through our specialized STEM training programs across the Caribbean. These STEM training initiatives not only prepares youth for future challenges but also lays the groundwork for the Caribbean’s Silicon Forest, promising sustained regional growth. Over 750 young people have been upskilled by Orbtronics’ educational programs.

What inspired you to work on this particular issue?

After participating in the inaugural FIRST Global Challenge competition in 2017, I realised how experienced young people in the first world were compared to me. I committed to helping close the digital divide in the Caribbean to prevent others from having this unpleasant experience.

Why is this issue important for your country / community to address?

My country needs to place a greater emphasis on building digital skills and creating opportunities for young people to work and participate in STEM disciplines. It is critical for governments to provide platforms and avenues for young people to use their skills after they have been trained.

What was the most memorable moment during the event/project?

The most memorable moment so far has been seeing one of the students that we trained during our inaugural Orbtronics STEM training program get awarded a national prize for excellence in the STEM fields by one of our co-founders.  The student subsequently returned as an intern to Orbtronics. This was one of those full-circle moments that really highlighted the multi-year vision for this initiative.

What is your vision for this project?

Orbtronics’ vision is to accelerate the growth of a silicon forest in the Caribbean and increase the region’s contribution to technology. Our aim is to grow a technology-driven ecosystem by empowering people to create innovative solutions for the future.

What keeps you motivated?

Having a positive impact on the lives of young people and the wider Caribbean through our initiatives.

Tell us an unusual fact or piece of trivia about yourself?

I enjoy skydiving, cliff jumping and ziplining because they are all activities that allow me to directly confront my fear of heights.

What is your favourite quote? Why?

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” – this quote from the poem Invictus reminds me that through my own hard work, I can shape the future.

What youth issue should be a priority for the Commonwealth Youth Programme and why?

Quality education should be a priority for the Commonwealth Youth Programme because education can have a positive ripple effect on many of the other UN Sustainable Development Goals. As the Nobel laureate in Economics, Sir Arthur Lewis, once said, “The fundamental cure for poverty is not money but education.”