Saint Lucian, Johanan Dujon, makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Saint Lucian Johanan Dujon is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 2020 list in manufacturing and industry.

Johanan, 26, founded the Caribbean’s first indigenous agriculture biotech firm, Algas Organics, which converts invasive seaweed, sargassum into fertilisers, organic fungicides and pesticides.

According to Forbes, Algas Organics has processed two million pounds of plants since 2015 and has the potential to earn $2M in revenue in 2020. In a press release, Forbes said that out of 15,000 nominees, only 600 young people were chosen – equivalent to a four per cent acceptance rate. There are 20 categories in total.

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Hon. Allen Chastanet, who is also the Chairman of CARICOM, expressed pride in Johanan’s achievements.

“We are so proud of Johanan and the amazing achievements he has had by establishing the Caribbean’s first indigenous agriculture biotech firm to fight invasive seaweed threatening the region. Every Saint Lucian should know this young man who started Algas Organics and converts invasive plant species into organic fungicides, pesticides, and crop fertilisers. St. Lucia-based Algas has processed two million pounds of plants since 2015. Our young people like Johanan continue to show us how creative and innovative they can be. Very proud of you Johanan Dujon , ” Prime Minister Chastanet said.

According to the magazine, since the list’s inception nine years ago, Forbes has grown the 30 Under 30 alumni network to include more than 5,000 individuals throughout the world. Being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree carries a lifelong reputation of embodying the revolutionary, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that the organisation represents.

WINNER: #Caribbean / #Canada Region: Johanan Dujon from #SaintLucia .

Area of Work: #SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Johanan is the founder of ‘@algasorganics’, an indigenous biotechnology company in the #Caribbean#CYA #CYA19 #CommonwealthYouth pic.twitter.com/fjQPByBp5m

— Commonwealth Youth (@ComSecYouth) March 13, 2019

This is not the first accolade for Johanan. He was one of four exceptional young leaders who won the Commonwealth Youth Awards in March 2019 in recognition of their efforts to end hunger, sexual violence, sanitation issues and climate change.

From Saint Lucia, Johanan Dujon founded an indigenous biotechnology company ‘Algas Organics’. His company https://t.co/NF4zY972Pi develops commercial agricultural products from harmful Sargassum seaweed.

— Caribbean Community (CARICOM) (@CARICOMorg) March 14, 2019

 Every year, the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognise the exceptional contribution of young people, aged 15-29, of 53 Commonwealth countries who are leading initiatives in view of the sustainable development goals. From more than 500 nominations from over 45 countries, 16 finalists were chosen by a panel of judges including representatives of high commissions, partner organisations and young leaders.

Source: CARICOM TODAY