The photo, from left to right, shows the CG for Jamaica to New York, Ms Alsion Roach Wilson, Christian Douglas, Josiah-John Green, Ms Janice Henlin (Director of Marketing, MSBM), Ms Tracy-Ann Hyman (1st Place Winner), Mr Chad Campbell (3rd Place Winner), Ms Janice Julian (Programme Coordinator, VHEP), and Ms Shakira Chin (Executive Assistant, VHEP).

Two outstanding FST Computing students and emerging entrepreneurs, Christian Douglas and Josiah-John Green, represented FreshJA (now FreshFoods) and the Faculty of Science and Technology on the Vincent HoSang Entrepreneurship Programme (VHEP) Winners' Trip to New York. While the full FreshJA team includes Roshae Sinclair and Somesh Sharma, Christian and Josiah-John were the members who participated in the week-long experience, held from August 17–24, 2025. The trip immersed them in a transformative journey through one of the world’s leading hubs for Caribbean entrepreneurship. They travelled alongside other winners and were accompanied by a chaperone from the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM).

Their trip followed their impressive 2nd-place finish in the 2024 Vincent HoSang UWI Venture Competition (UWIVC), a competition that launches participants into the broader VHEP platform designed to nurture student-led innovation and business development.

A Week of Exposure, Innovation & Diaspora Connections!

Day 1 – Arrival in New York

Upon arrival, Christian and Josiah-John were warmly welcomed by members of the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation. After settling in, the group explored Times Square and Broadway, soaking in the energy that would fuel their entrepreneurial mindset for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Inside Caribbean Food Delights

Monday kicked off with a visit to Caribbean Food Delights (CFD)—the largest Caribbean frozen food manufacturer in the U.S. At the 103,000 sq. ft. Tappan facility, the students met CFD executives, including CEO Sabrina HoSang and COO Simone HoSang.

The day offered:

1. Lessons in business scaling, leadership, and sustainability
2. A detailed look at food manufacturing operations
3. Insights from HR on professionalism and business culture
4. A stimulating conversation with the Director of Quality Control on AI-driven product grading, aligning closely with FreshFoods’ agricultural focus
5. The evening concluded with an unplanned but impactful meeting with local farmers, who offered valuable feedback on FreshFoods’ business model.

Day 3 – Media Outreach & Entrepreneurial Inspiration

Tuesday began at IRIE JAM Radio, where the students pitched FreshFoods live on air. Their compelling delivery attracted potential investor interest.

They later met:

1. A family-operated logistics business whose story of perseverance offered powerful insight
2. A successful optical retailer whose journey embodied resilience and innovative leadership
3. The day closed at a Caribbean-owned restaurant, where the owner's philosophy, “I love myself, therefore I love you” reinforced the power of community-centred enterprise.

Day 4 – Media Giants, the Jamaican Consulate, and Iconic Heights

Christian and Josiah-John met with executives at CBS Corporation, gaining perspective on media influence and diaspora voices within global networks. At the Jamaican Consulate in New York, Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson, OD, welcomed the students warmly. Impressed with their pitch and professionalism, she later extended invitations to the 63rd Jamaica Independence Gala. The students then visited the Empire State Building, where they engaged with a senior executive in the fashion industry who provided insights into trend forecasting and business operations. A reflective moment atop the observatory highlighted their growing appreciation for global innovation. Dinner with Anne-Marie Grant from the American Foundation for UWI rounded out the day—an inspiring conversation on philanthropy, leadership, and purpose-driven growth.

Day 5 – Automotive Leadership & Creative Excellence

Thursday brought them to a leading automotive enterprise, where an executive shared the realities of immigrant success and the importance of professionalism and excellence. Later, they met an entertainment executive whose global career—featuring collaborations with Adele and Jennifer Lopez—demonstrated the extraordinary achievements of Caribbean talent abroad. The day ended with a breathtaking sunset at The Summit, overlooking New York’s skyline.

Day 6 – Culinary Innovation in Connecticut

Friday’s visit introduced the students to a dynamic culinary entrepreneur known for creativity and discipline. Their discussion was even recorded for Concrete Entertainment, providing FreshFoods with expanded visibility.

Day 7 – The Jamaican Independence Gala

Thanks to their strong showing at the Consulate, a member of the FreshFoods team joined other students at the prestigious 63rd Jamaica Independence Gala. The evening offered unmatched networking with business leaders, investors, and cultural icons.

Day 8 – Departure

The trip concluded on Sunday as Christian and Josiah-John returned to Jamaica carrying a wealth of experience, renewed drive, and expanded networks.

Christian and Josiah-John’s participation in the VHEP Winners Trip highlights the potential of FST students to innovate boldly, engage globally, and represent The University of the West Indies with distinction. Their journey reinforces the importance of nurturing student entrepreneurship and creating pathways that empower young innovators to transform the Caribbean’s technological and agricultural landscape.