The search is on for young visionaries who can help build a brighter future by showcasing ideas which can help their communities.

The call for innovative thinking from the region’s young minds follows the recent launch of the 2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge in countries including Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica and Belize.

Sagicor is encouraging teachers and students from secondary schools in these countries to enter the Challenge and become part of the search for innovative, sustainable solutions for everyday problems facing regional communities.

Tracey Knight-Lloyd, Assistant Vice-President Marketing, Sagicor Life Inc, said the Challenge was an opportunity for young people to bring their innovative thoughts and vision into reality.

“If you’ve got a vision or an idea about how to improve something in your community, and you want to make a positive contribution, then the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge is the vehicle for you,” Knight-Lloyd said.

The Sagicor executive said any student could be a visionary, and encouraged young people with ideas to believe in themselves. She also noted they should not be intimidated by the scope of the competition, which in its second year, will also be receiving entries from high school students in Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida.

“The process for entry is not a difficult one and we are encouraging students to come forward, and not to limit themselves by thinking that their ideas may be too simple or small for consideration. Often the best ideas are the simplest and can be developed into the most effective solutions.”

Students interested in entering the 2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge can visit the Facebook page at http://facebook.com/sagicorvisionaries for further details and instructions, and are encouraged to speak with their teachers for assistance in signing either as an individual or group entry.

The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge was conceptualised by Sagicor and the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), in partnership with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and aims to promote the use of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to problems.

This year winners will once again have the opportunity to take an all-expenses paid trip to Florida where they will tour related institutions and experience S.T.E.M. in action.