Norris Parsons and the Dawn of Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship

In the mid-1990s, as the world was awakening to the transformative potential of personal computing and the internet, a young entrepreneur in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was laying the groundwork for what would become one of the country's pioneering technology companies. This is the story of Norris N. Parsons and e@gles Computer Technology - a tale that not only chronicles one man's journey but also illuminates the broader narrative of tech entrepreneurship in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Tech Landscape of the 1990s

To appreciate the significance of Parsons' venture, we must first understand the context in which it emerged. In 1995, when e@gles Computer Technology was founded, the Caribbean was still in the early stages of its digital transformation. Personal computers were not yet ubiquitous, internet connectivity was limited and expensive, and the concept of local tech startups was virtually unheard of.

In many Caribbean nations, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the economy was still heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism. The idea that a small island nation could produce competitive tech enterprises was, to many, far-fetched. It was in this environment of limited digital infrastructure and even more limited belief in tech entrepreneurship that Parsons decided to take a leap of faith.

The Birth of e@gles Computer Technology

In 1995, armed with little more than a used table, a chair, some books and software, and a borrowed computer, Norris Parsons established e@gles Computer Technology as a sole proprietorship in Glenside, Mesopotamia, St. Vincent. The company began as a one-man consulting operation, offering IT support to individuals and businesses at a time when such services were scarce in the region.

Parsons' early days as an entrepreneur were marked by resourcefulness and determination. Unable to afford a secretary, he used a digital voice mail answering machine to manage calls - a creative solution that speaks volumes about the challenges faced by Caribbean entrepreneurs in that era.

Growth and Expansion

Over the next decade, e@gles Computer Technology grew from its humble beginnings to become a recognized name in St. Vincent's burgeoning tech sector. The company's journey mirrored the gradual digital transformation of the island:

·         Initially operating from Kim's Building on Grenville Street

·         Relocating to the GECCU building on Halifax Street

·         Expanding within the GECCU building, eventually occupying significant space by 2005

This growth trajectory, while modest by global standards, represented a significant achievement in the context of a small island nation's emerging tech sector.

Recognition and Professional Development

Parsons' entrepreneurial journey gained international recognition, highlighting the potential for Caribbean tech entrepreneurs to make their mark on the global stage:

·         In 2000, e@gles received a Certificate of Nomination for the Millennium 2000 Award at the 7th World Summit of Young Entrepreneur in New York

·         Parsons was selected by the Institute of Leadership and Development (Canada) and the World Trade Institute (USA) as an outstanding young entrepreneur

·         He was recognized for his professional work, software engineering, job creation, and contribution to nation building

These accolades were not just personal achievements for Parsons, but also served to put St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the map as a potential source of tech innovation.

Parsons' commitment to ongoing learning and professional development was evident in his participation in several international programs:

·         The Microsoft Caribbean Summit in St. Lucia (1997)

·         A business study tour to Taiwan (1998)

·         An information technology study tour to Japan (2001)

These experiences likely broadened Parsons' perspective and contributed to his ability to build a sustainable tech business in a challenging environment.

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship

While e@gles Computer Technology may not have become a global tech giant, its impact on St. Vincent and the broader Caribbean tech ecosystem should not be underestimated. Parsons' success demonstrated that:

1.       Tech entrepreneurship was viable in small island economies

2.      Caribbean entrepreneurs could gain international recognition

3.      Local tech companies could create meaningful employment opportunities

In the years following e@gles' establishment, the Caribbean has seen a growing number of tech startups and an increasing focus on digital transformation. While it would be an overstatement to attribute this entirely to Parsons' influence, pioneers like him undoubtedly played a role in paving the way for future entrepreneurs.

Lessons for Today's Caribbean Entrepreneurs

The story of Norris Parsons and e@gles Computer Technology offers several valuable lessons for today's aspiring Caribbean entrepreneurs:

1.       Start with what you have: Parsons began with minimal resources but maximized what was available to him.

2.      Seek learning opportunities: His participation in international programs demonstrates the value of continuous learning and global exposure.

3.      Solve local problems: By offering IT consulting services when they were scarce, Parsons filled a genuine need in his community.

4.      Persevere through challenges: Building a tech company in the 1990s Caribbean undoubtedly presented numerous obstacles, yet Parsons persisted.

5.       Aim for recognition beyond local markets: The international awards Parsons received highlight the importance of thinking globally, even when operating locally.

The Continuing Journey of Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship

Today, the landscape of tech entrepreneurship in the Caribbean is vastly different from when Parsons started e@gles Computer Technology. Incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces have sprung up across the region. Initiatives like Start-Up Jamaica and the Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship Programme are nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Yet, many of the challenges Parsons faced - limited access to capital, small local markets, and the need to compete globally - remain relevant for today's Caribbean entrepreneurs. His story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the work still to be done in building a robust Caribbean tech ecosystem.

An Inspired Individual

The story of Norris Parsons and e@gles Computer Technology is more than just a tale of one man's success. It's a window into the early days of Caribbean tech entrepreneurship, a testament to the potential of the region's innovators, and a roadmap for future entrepreneurs.

As we look to the future of tech innovation in the Caribbean, it's worth remembering pioneers like Parsons who dared to dream of a digital future for their islands when such a concept seemed far-fetched. Their legacy lives on in every Caribbean tech startup that secures funding, every local app that gains users, and every island entrepreneur who dares to compete on the global stage.

The journey that Parsons began in 1995 with a used table and a borrowed computer continues today, carried forward by a new generation of Caribbean tech entrepreneurs. As they face their own challenges and celebrate their own triumphs, they stand on the shoulders of pioneers who showed that with vision, determination, and resourcefulness, Caribbean tech entrepreneurship can indeed soar like an eagle.

Disclaimer: The author is a former employee. All images are from the author's private collection. It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Mr. Norris Noel Parsons on January 9th, 2025, at the age of 54. This article is written in tribute to his pioneering work. His contributions to the tech landscape of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the broader Caribbean will be remembered. May he rest in peace