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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

Change towards the economic, social, cultural & spiritual advancement of themselves, their community

Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

3 weeks ago

The Social Transformation Unit Continues to Drive Community Development Castries, January 20, 2025 - Change is taking root across Saint Lucia as the Social Transformation Unit, a division of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, spearheads a series of capacity-building initiatives designed to stimulate social development and strengthen community resilience.Acting Deputy Director of Social Transformation, Kerian Calixte reflected on the unit’s recent outreach successes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community involvement while expressing gratitude to the generous donors who supported local families during the Christmas season. Calixte highlights the unit's plans to continue collaborating with community-based NGOs and civil society groups, with a focus on capacity building to enhance their effectiveness in delivering support where it is most needed. A lot of training opportunities happened during that period. We had social and behavioral change and communication workshops. We had domestic violence, media, and communications. So, towards the last quarter of the year, a lot of capacity building was done with our officers of the unit. As we enter a new year, I think the focus will be on continuing the relationship we have with the organizations to ensure that development takes place on the ground, as you can well appreciate, different communities have different needs, and some issues are central to all communities.”Looking ahead, the Social Transformation Unit is also placing a renewed emphasis on volunteerism. Recognizing the power of collective effort, Ms. Calixte called on citizens to bring their ideas to the ministry, where officers are ready to help organize and mobilize initiatives that build stronger, more connected communities.“If you have an idea, you want to a particular idea within the community or need, then you come, you speak to an officer, and we take it from there. If it's a case where it means organizing persons together in the community, mobilizing them to get that going, then that can be done as, yes, can be arranged with our officers. Some of our officers are based within the ministry and they occupy spaces throughout the regions where they are based. It's a case of being on the and trying to reach as many people as possible. We’re also trying to create a production where we can reach more people in Saint Lucia.”Through collaboration, support, and strategic initiatives, the Social Transformation Unit works to ensure meaningful connections throughout communities to uplift individuals and contribute to the collective growth of the nation. ENDContacts:Anicia AntoineInformation Assistant (Ag.)Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5146, E: anicia.antoine@govt.lcJohn EmmanuelCommunications ManagerMinistry of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5131 E: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

4 weeks ago

UPTON Gardens Girls Centre Celebrates Clients SuccessCastries, January 10, 2025 - The Upton Gardens Girls Centre, a satellite agency of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, celebrates the success of two clients who recently completed its engaging and innovative Transformative Programme. This milestone underscores the Centre’s mission to provide young girls facing challenges with the tools to grow, thrive, and reintegrate confidently into their families and communities."I feel overwhelmed seeing where I came from before and now. I never knew about UPTON Gardens Girls Centre until now. With the stigma attached, people thought this was where bad students go, but this is not the case. UPTON helps you develop skills you never knew you had. We are a big family, so if you don’t have support at home, the UPTON family provides that, " noted one graduate, as she reflected on her journey.The stigma reduction efforts at the Centre resonate deeply with its goals, ensuring the community understands that the Centre is not a place for “bad girls” but a space for personal growth and support.Josephine Mayers, Social Worker and Tutor at the Centre highlights key programmes that drive the transformation process. "Core programmes include Health and Family Life, focusing on body development and dealing with pressures, and ‘Why Try,’ which helps young girls explore why they engage in certain behaviors and how to overcome them. By sharing relatable success stories, these programmes show that overcoming challenges is possible."These initiatives, coupled with parental involvement, provide a robust foundation for the girls’ growth and long-term success."We really want parents to be part of the programme. When a girl leaves here by 3:00 PM, the family should continue the work we’re doing. This is how society benefits from a group of young women who have grown and are prepared for the next step to success,"At the UPTON Gardens Girls Centre, the journey of each girl is a testament to the transformative power of support, education, and community. The Centre remains committed to breaking down stigma, fostering resilience, and equipping young girls with the skills to navigate life’s challenges confidently. ENDContacts:Anicia AntoineInformation Assistant (Ag. Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5146, E: anicia.antoine@govt.lcJohn EmmanuelCommunications ManagerMinistry of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5131 E: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

1 month ago

Equity Ministry Champions Festive Spirit with Support from Taiwan & Simply Help FoundationCastries, January 6, 2025- The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Simply Help Foundation, has reaffirmed their dedication to equity, inclusion, and empowerment. On December 11, 2024, a handing-over ceremony at the Ministry’s conference room marked the official presentation of essential items donated to the people of Saint Lucia, underscoring a shared commitment to supporting the nation’s most vulnerable communities. His Excellency Peter Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, highlighted the continued partnership between Taiwan, the Simply Help Foundation, and Saint Lucia. “Under Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s leadership, social security, inclusion, and justice continue to be the priority of national development. Taiwan is proud to be part of collective efforts to improve the livelihood of vulnerable people in Saint Lucia. Over the past two years, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in partnership with the Simply Help Foundation, has donated two 20-foot containers of charitable goods to Saint Lucia. As the festive season approaches, on behalf of the Simply Help Foundation, I am proud to present 250 boxes to the vulnerable and most in need in Saint Lucia.” The donation comprised children’s and women’s shoes, hats, hangers, toys, and soccer balls. These items will be distributed across various communities to vulnerable individuals through the Ministry's Social Transformation Unit. "Thanks for your generosity with consideration always for the Ministry of Equity. We are indeed grateful for the tokens that you bestowed upon us. The timing is always perfect because after a busy year of doing so much, then we get a short rest followed by the donation of these gifts," expressing gratitude for the timely donation is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel. The donation ceremony symbolizes the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Saint Lucia and Taiwan while embodying the spirit of hope and compassion during the festive season. These contributions will bring joy to many vulnerable children and families, reinforcing a sense of community and solidarity. The Ministry of Equity remains steadfast in its mission to uplift vulnerable populations, promoting equitable opportunities and advancing its commitment to social justice and empowerment for all Saint Lucians. ENDContacts:Anicia AntoineInformation Assistant (Ag.), Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5146, E: anicia.antoine@govt.lcJohn EmmanuelCommunications ManagerMinistry of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5131 E: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

1 month ago

Saint Lucia Advances Inclusive Development with IT Support for Vulnerable PopulationsCastries, December 27, 2024 – The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), hosted a symbolic handover ceremony for IT equipment under the Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations Affected by the Coronavirus Project. This initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to resilience, empowerment, and inclusive development for Saint Lucia’s vulnerable groups. Speaking at the ceremony on December 17, 2024, Tricia Leo, the Project Cordinator, highlighted its significance as a direct response to challenges worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This initiative, implemented in partnership with the UNDP and funded by the CDB, reflects our collective dedication to resilience and empowerment,” she stated.Leo emphasized the pandemic’s profound impact on vulnerable populations and the institutions serving them, noting the urgent need for adaptive responses in education and caregiving. “The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Today’s ceremony is more than symbolic, it represents tangible progress toward creating safer, more inclusive spaces for learning and development,” she added. The ceremony marks a critical step in addressing educational and service delivery gaps. Beneficiary institutions include the Boys Training Centre, Uptown Garden Girls’ Centre, New Beginnings Transit Home, Rainbow Children’s Home, and the Dennery Child Development Center. Institutions will receive laptops, tablets, and other IT tools to enhance educational opportunities and caregiving services. Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, emphasized the initiative’s holistic impact and the importance of collaboration in addressing gaps exposed by the pandemic. “This initiative complements the recently concluded Effective Pedagogy and Cybersecurity Training Program, which equipped 25 educators and institutional staff with the skills to thrive in distributed learning environments while safeguarding digital spaces. These devices are more than tools—they are instruments of empowerment,” she remarked. “Together with the training, these resources will help institutions foster environments where students can thrive academically and socially, regardless of their circumstances.” Hon. Joachim Henry, Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to bridging educational gaps and supporting vulnerable populations. He stressed the importance of equipping educators and institutions to ensure students excel in an evolving digital learning landscape. “The government’s One Laptop program ensures each child has access to devices. However, education today presents significant challenges for our educators. Retooling and strengthening educators and supporting institutions are critical,” he stated. Minister Henry highlighted the significance of IT equipment, including Chromebooks, projectors, and other essential tools, in enabling students to learn, develop, and compete on equal footing with peers locally and internationally. ENDContacts:Anicia Antoine Information Assistant III Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment,T: (758) 468-5146 - Email: anicia.antoine@govt.lc John EmmanuelCommunications ManagerMinistry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5131 - Email: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

2 months ago

CIBC Saint Lucia Donates Water Tanks to Boys Training Centre in Recognition of International Men’s DayCastries, December 18, 2024 - In commemoration of International Men’s Day, observed on November 19, CIBC Saint Lucia has generously donated two 1,000-gallon water tanks to the Boys Training Centre (BTC). This contribution aims to enhance the living conditions of the Centre’s residents by addressing critical needs for water accessibility and storage.CIBC Saint Lucia has maintained a longstanding relationship with the BTC, previously supporting the Centre through care packages and other initiatives. According to CIBC Saint Lucia’s Country Head, Nigel Oliverre, the donation reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community empowerment.“Recognizing the constant need for reliable water access, we felt these water tanks were the ideal items to assist the Centre at this time,” stated Oliverre.The donation, valued at over EC$1,600, was officially handed over to BTC officials during a brief ceremony on December 9, 2024.“As part of our activities for International Men’s Day, I spent time engaging with about 12 of the young men at the Centre. We shared ice cream, cookies, and biscuits, and had meaningful conversations. I was impressed by their aspirations and insights, particularly one young man with a passion for Mathematics, Physics, and IT. It was inspiring to see his enthusiasm and depth of knowledge in these areas. This donation serves as a follow-up to those interactions and our broader commitment to supporting youth development,” Oliverre added.BTC representatives expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contribution, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in empowering the next generation. They also called on other corporate entities to follow CIBC Saint Lucia’s example by supporting initiatives that positively impact young lives. ENDContacts: Anicia Antoine Information Assistant Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5146, E: anicia.antoine@govt.lc John Emmanuel Communications Manager Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5131 E: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.) PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

2 months ago

Social Workers Empowered with Heightened Communication Skills for Enhanced Service DeliveryCastries, December 14, 2024 – Given the vital role of effective communication, and in keeping with a renewed and comprehensive Communications Strategy, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment has hosted a two-day Communications Training Workshop aimed at building capacity amongst social workers. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO International), under the Gender Equality Project, emphasizes the strategic use of media and communication tools to improve service delivery and workplace efficiency.Social and Behavioral Specialist and Workshop Facilitator Dr. Bennet Charles highlighted the workshop’s objectives stating, “The 2-day training workshop will focus on the development of social workers to engage community members, ensuring that they build on effective speaking skills. This forum also dives into the ability of social workers to effectively use social media platforms to develop and disseminate captivating stories for dissemination and be satisfied with the services that the Ministry offers.”The interactive training not only supports the Ministry of Equity’s broader Communication Strategy, currently being rolled out in various forms, but also equips staff with essential skills to ensure informed representation across all departments.“We are starting the training off with communication in an effort to roll out our Communications Strategy, and one of the things that the Ministry is looking forward to doing is to ensure that all departments within the Ministry are knowledgeable and fully represented when matters pertaining to the Ministry are discussed,” explained Acting Director for Social Transformation, Tanzia Toussaint.Participants found the workshop timely and impactful, particularly in light of their interactions with the public and media. “The communication and media workshop is extremely important because as Social Transformation Officers, we interact with the media daily. We also have messages that we want to craft to the public, so therefore we must know how to craft these messages and send out messages that are relevant with content that the public can easily absorb. So, I hope to gain more experience in ways to better understand and serve the Babonneau residents,” stated Darnally Estava, Social Transformation Officer for Babonneau,For Family Caseworker Renita Bondiemaitre of the Soufriere and Choiseul region, the workshop provided critical tools to enhance investigative fieldwork and community outreach efforts. “This workshop is very beneficial to me since it will assist me in my field investigations where I will now be able to ask the right questions to get the information that I am looking for and also, since I do have a radio programme called Family Matters on 88.5 Soufriere FM, this will equip me with the necessary skills needed to be more effective,” remarked, Bondiemaitre.By equipping social workers with robust communication skills, the Ministry of Equity is seeking to ensure more effective representation of its services and a deeper connection with the communities it serves. END Contacts: Shervroy Marius, Information Assistant III Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment, T: (758) 468-5146 - Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lc John Emmanuel Communications Manager Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5131 - Email: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

2 months ago

Saint Lucia Showcases Achievements at 6th Regional Dialogue on Anticipatory ActionCastries, December 9, 2024 – Saint Lucia has proudly showcased its progress in disaster preparedness and risk reduction at the 6th Regional Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action (AA), held in Colombia, from November 28-29, 2024.The island was represented by Sarah Leon, Deputy Director of Social Transformation in the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment. This pivotal event gathered over 300 participants from Latin America and the Caribbean under the theme: “Regional Solutions for Regional Challenges.”The platform offered an invaluable opportunity for Saint Lucia to share its groundbreaking work as a smaller island nation successfully implementing an AA mechanism. Among the highlights of Saint Lucia’s presentation were Verification of 1,000 beneficiaries under its AA program; Development ofa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet to enhance transparency and communication; Establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline the AA mechanism; Implementation ofa Feedback Mechanism, aligned with the National Social Protection Plan; Creation of an in-house SMS messaging system to communicate effectively with beneficiaries; Training of staff on the KOBO toolbox for precise and efficient data collection; and Community sensitization efforts to educate vulnerable populations on the importance of AA mechanisms in disaster preparedness.During a panel session titled “Opportunities for Anticipatory Action in the Caribbean,” Ms. Leon shared insights on integrating AA mechanisms within government structures. Her presentation, “Building an AA Mechanism within Government Structures: The Case of Saint Lucia,” highlighted the challenges the island faced, including data gaps, slow verification processes, human resource limitations, and navigating a relatively new electronic funds system.Despite these hurdles, Saint Lucia has emerged as a regional leader, ready to conduct a simulation exercise in December 2024 – January 2025 to test and refine its systems. This exercise, designed to assess the efficacy of the AA mechanism, will not include an actual trigger but aims to further strengthen the island’s preparedness for future crises.Saint Lucia remains steadfast in its mission to expand outreach and deepen community understanding of anticipatory action. END Contacts: Shervroy Marius, Information Assistant III Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5146 Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lc John Emmanuel, Communications Manager Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5131 Email: commanager.equity@govt.lcCharmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.) PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

2 months ago

Government of Saint Lucia Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Services CentreCastries, December 8, 2024 – The Government of Saint Lucia remains steadfast in its dedication to transforming the former George Charles Secondary School into a cutting-edge Youth Services Centre. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting children, adolescents, and youth in need of care and protection. The Youth Services Centre is envisioned as a transformative space that will offer comprehensive care and protection services, replacing outdated facilities like the Boys Training Centre (BTC), the New Beginnings Transit Home, and the Upton Gardens Girls Centre. Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment Hon. Joachim Henry continues to emphasize the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for youth in crisis. According to Minister Henry, his Ministry remains committed to securing the necessary funding and logistics to bring this vision to life, reinforcing its alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Ministry’s mandate to protect and empower vulnerable populations. The Centre will stand as a testament to the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being, development, and empowerment of Saint Lucia’s youth, marking a significant step toward a brighter future. Committee members who have been tirelessly working towards the project’s fruition are Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte (Permanent Secretary), Celia Arthur (Deputy Permanent Secretary), Jacqueline Messiah Simeon (Upton Girls), Jahn Mc Farlane (Welfare Divisions), Nathan Hyacinth (Cadets Corps), Rohan Lubon (Ministry of Youth & Sports), Bernice Francis (NBTH), Tia Austin (AG office), Blanda Lansillo (Human Services), Sara Leon (Research & Policy), Danielle Glasgow, Venus Cherry (RISE), Wayne Benti (SALCC), Ricky Quinlan (Ministry of Finance), Catherine Seales (Raise Your Voice), Carleen Mason (CARE), Zachary Hippolyte (RSLPF), Shirlan Edward (Ministry of Health), Richard Randolph (St Lucia Mission of SDA), Kendall Elva (Social Transformation)Janey Joseph (Gender Affairs), Clementia Eugene, Chrishna Emmanuel (Ministry of Youth and Sports) Lois Regis (HR – Equity) & Leanna Wallace (BTC). ENDContacts:Shervroy Marius, Information Assistant III, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment,T: (758) 468-5146 - Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lc John Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5131 - Email: commanager.equity@govt.lc Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARY Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

2 months ago

Ministry of Equity Celebrates Completion of Pedagogy & Cybersecurity Training for Saint Lucian EducatorsCastries, December 5, 2024 - Some 25 educators from Saint Lucia completed and have graduated from the Effective Pedagogy for Distributed Teaching and Learning (EPDTL) and Cybersecurity training programs.Overseen by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, this initiative, funded under the "Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations Affected by the Coronavirus Project,” was conducted in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).“The CDB is very pleased to have partnered with and to support the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, through which the broader social safety net project has been implemented. By participating in this course, alongside colleagues from Saint. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Kitts & Nevis, you have been able to share and exchange valuable ideas of best practices across the region. We commend your commitment to professional growth and look forward to your expertise's positive impact in fostering inclusion and ensuring that all learners have access to quality education,” noted Dr. Neva Pemberton, Consultant Education Specialist, Social Sector Division, CDB.The latest training was designed to equip teachers with the skills to adapt to the rapidly evolving educational landscape, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aimed to strengthen educators' ability to provide high-quality and secure education in traditional classrooms and virtual learning environments.Joshua Vernor, IT Manager attached to the Ministry of Education exclaimed, “The intersection of effective pedagogy and Cybersecurity is not merely an academic concept, it is a call to action. It is a road map for creating a Saint Lucia that is resilient, innovative, and poised to lead in an increasingly digital world. When prioritizing effective pedagogy, we are investing in the hearts and minds of our youth, and our children. We are saying to every child in Saint Lucia, that your potential is limitless and that you deserve an education that equips you with the skills, confidence, and creativity to dream big and achieve even bigger. At the same time when we prioritize cybersecurity, we are taking steps to safeguard their dreams. We are ensuring that the digital tools that they rely on for education, innovation, and connection remain secure. We are protecting the integrity of our systems, the privacy of our citizens, and the future of our economy, but the vision requires collective action. To you educators, you are the foundation of this transformation.”The program included participants from various institutions, such as the Upton Garden Girls Center, Boys Training Center, New Beginnings Transit Home, and the Special Education Institutions managed by the Ministry of Education. It trained educators in modern teaching methodologies, student-centered approaches, and essential cybersecurity practices. ENDContacts:Shervroy Marius, Information Assistant, Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5146, E: shervroy.marius@govt.lcJohn Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Min of Equity, Social Justice & EmpowermentT: (758) 468-5131 E: commanager.equity@govt.lcCharmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

2 months ago

Good Lands East Celebrates New Road Construction, A Game-Changer for ResidentsCastries, December 2, 2024 – In a significant step toward improving infrastructure and reducing poverty, the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), in partnership with the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) under the 10th Program (BNTF 10), officially handed over the newly constructed Good Lands East Road.Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Saint Lucia, the EC $793,000 project encompasses 771 feet of access road equipped with drainage systems, retaining walls, footpaths, wheelchair ramps, a turning point, and the relocation of utility poles and water lines.Deputy Project Manager Brandan Antoine emphasized the adaptive approach taken during the project’s execution. "When we first conceptualized this project, we saw it as a road and drainage project. However, along the way, the water situation became a concern with spaghetti pipes running across the road and meters placed by the highway. To solve this, we reapproached CDB and included a water component, allowing WASCO to install a 4-inch main and household connections,” explained Antoine.According to SSDF Executive Director John Victorin, the initiative delivers substantial economic and social advantages to the Goodlands community. "It is an impressive project that this partnership between the Government of Saint Lucia, SSDF, and the Caribbean Development Bank has delivered to the residents of Good Lands. Businesses in the community stand a better chance of increasing their revenue due to improved access, vehicle wear and tear will be drastically reduced, and property values in the area will rise," remarked the SSDF Executive Director, John Victorin.The development directly impacts 47 residents in Goodlands, enhancing accessibility and addressing longstanding infrastructure issues. Parliamentary Representative for Castries South, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, praised the transformative work of SSDF and BNTF in improving Saint Lucia’s most vulnerable communities. "I want to acknowledge SSDF and BNTF's critical role in developing communities like Good Lands. Throughout Saint Lucia, they consistently do a fantastic job in assisting communities with critical infrastructural needs. We must recognize and celebrate the incredible work they continue to do,” stated Minister Hilaire.For the residents of Good Lands, the project represents a dramatic improvement in their daily lives. Resident Noah August shared his heartfelt gratitude. "Now, emergency vehicles can come directly to my home. I no longer have to pay someone for weeks to carry materials from the main road. Trucks can now deliver right at my doorstep, making life much easier for all of us. For this, we say thank you."The Good Lands East Road project is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a commitment to community development. ENDContacts:Shervroy Marius, Information Assistant III, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment, T: (758) 468-5146 - Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lcJohn Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment T: (758) 468-5131 - Email: commanager.equity@govt.lcCharmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)PERMANENT SECRETARYTel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: pssec.equity@govt.lc ... See MoreSee Less

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